VAR’s Role in Premier League Controversies

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) continues to be a hot topic in the Premier League, with every match week bringing new debates and discussions. This article delves into two major incidents from recent games: Mohamed Salah's penalty claim against Newcastle and Patrick Dorgu's red card for Manchester United. We also examine other VAR decisions that have sparked controversy.

Liverpool vs. Newcastle: Should Salah Have Been Awarded a Penalty?

In the early minutes of the match, Mohamed Salah appeared to be brought down by Lewis Hall just inside the penalty area. Referee Stuart Attwell awarded a free kick to Newcastle, deeming that Salah had pushed Hall first. The VAR reviewed the incident but upheld the on-field decision. VAR Review: The VAR can only intervene if the referee's decision is clearly and obviously wrong. In this case, the initial foul call against Salah was soft but not obviously incorrect, so the VAR did not recommend a penalty. Verdict: While Salah had a strong case for a penalty, the VAR’s decision was consistent with the protocol.

Manchester United vs. Ipswich: Dorgu’s Red Card Explained

Patrick Dorgu’s challenge on Omari Hutchinson in the 40th minute was initially deemed a routine tackle, but the VAR intervened, upgrading it to a red card for serious foul play. VAR Review: Despite Dorgu playing the ball, the excessive force and contact on Hutchinson’s shin justified the red card. This decision highlights the importance of both point of contact and level of force in determining serious foul play. Verdict: The VAR’s intervention was correct, though it took longer than expected for the decision to be finalized.

Other Notable VAR Incidents

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa: Crystal Palace’s goal by Ismaïla Sarr was initially questioned for offside, but the VAR confirmed it was legal. However, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers later had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside, raising questions about consistency. Tottenham vs. Manchester City: Erling Haaland’s potential goal was ruled out for handball, showcasing the complexities of the handball law in football.

Consistency and Transparency in VAR

Fans and players alike demand consistency in VAR decisions, especially in offside and penalty calls. The introduction of semi-automated offside technology in the FA Cup could help reduce confusion and improve transparency.

In conclusion, while VAR aims to correct clear errors, it often sparks debate due to the subjective nature of many decisions. As technology evolves, the hope is that it will become a more reliable and less controversial aspect of the game.