Understanding VAR: Decision-Making in Football’s Elite Matches
Video assistant referees (VAR) remain a contentious topic in the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. But what is the decision-making process, and how accurate are these calls? This season, we will scrutinize pivotal incidents to clarify the VAR protocol and competitive rules in play.
Andy Davies, a former Select Group referee with over 12 seasons of experience officiating in the Premier League and Championship, offers invaluable insight into the VAR framework. Currently involved in the Premier League VAR operations, Davies lends his expertise to shed light on the processes, rationale, and protocols that unfold on match days.
Controversial Moments from Recent Matches
0:37
Cherki furious over no-call penalty
Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki collapses under pressure from Milos Kerkes but is discontent with the rejection of his penalty claim.
In a key incident involving Manchester City, Rayan Cherki fell during a challenge with Liverpool defender Milos Kerkes. While Cherki’s teammates signaled for a penalty, City manager Pep Guardiola, observing from the stands due to a touchline ban, displayed visible frustration upon seeing the replay.
Referee Michael Oliver assessed the situation, determining no penalty should be awarded after VAR reviewed the incident. The officials concluded that Kerkes’ challenge did not constitute a foul as he first made contact with the ball.
Oliver’s rationale indicated that the initial contact was legitimate, while the subsequent contact stemmed from the natural movements of both players. VAR concurred, affirming that the on-field interpretation aligned with the replay, which validated Oliver’s decision. While Cherki’s teammates showed their frustration, video evidence supported the referee’s assessment, emphasizing that for a penalty to be awarded, a clear foul must be established, which was not the case here.
Decisive Penalties Call: Manchester City vs. Liverpool
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O’Reilly wins City a penalty for a foul on Van Dijk
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly earns a penalty following a foul by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
Later in the match, a foul by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk on City’s Nico O’Reilly resulted in a penalty decision that Oliver made swiftly. VAR quickly reviewed the on-field ruling, confirming it as correct.
The controversy surrounding Van Dijk’s reaction to the penalty decision is perplexing, as the tackle was evident and late, clearly warranting the spot kick. The decisive on-field call by Oliver stood unchallenged after VAR verification.
Another Penalty Incident: Ekitike’s Situation
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Ekitike wins penalty for Liverpool
Liverpool secures a penalty after Hugo Ekitike bypasses Matheus Nunez.
In another pivotal moment, a late challenge from City defender Matheus Nunez on Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike prompted Oliver to award a penalty. The official’s positioning allowed for a clear perspective on the incident.
After a thorough VAR review confirmed the on-field decision, it was evident that Nunez’s action was unnecessary and a clear foul. The context suggested that Ekitike posed no immediate threat, raising questions about the rationale behind Nunez’s decision to tackle aggressively.
Michael Oliver’s judicious on-field decisions benefited from this straightforward review, creating a positive atmosphere for both the officiating team and VAR operator Paul Howard amidst recent criticisms. Despite growing discontent among fans regarding VAR, the officiating staff at the Etihad Stadium can take pride in their effective performance on match day.
