The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) generates controversy week after week in the Premier League. We analyze how decisions are made and if they are correct. This season, we will examine the most relevant incidents to explain the process, both in the VAR protocol and in the rules of the game. Andy Davies (@andydaviesref), former Select Group referee with over 12 seasons in the elite, with experience in the Premier League and the Championship, offers us a unique insight into the processes, logic, and protocols that are applied in Premier League matches.
Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest
Result: Liverpool 0-3 Nottingham ForestReferee: Andrew MadleyVAR: James Bell
Incident: Murillo goal (Forest); VAR review for possible offside.Minute: 33
What happened: Murillo scored Nottingham Forest’s first goal at Anfield. Dan Ndoye was in an offside position in the area, which led to a VAR review for possible cancellation of the goal due to his impact on an opponent.VAR Decision: The referee validated the goal after VAR review. It was determined that the Forest attacker, Ndoye, did not obstruct the view of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, nor did he perform an action that affected his opponent.VAR Review: Communication between Madley and his assistant was key. It was explained that Ndoye, despite being offside, did not affect Alisson’s vision nor did he take an action that impacted his opponent. Bell’s responsibility as VAR was to confirm that this was correct and to ensure that no other infringements justifying a review were committed.Verdict: This was a key moment for comparison. Reflection and discussions about the game’s expectations have taken place since the match between City and Liverpool. The circumstances and dynamics were different due to Ndoye’s movement. My instinct tells me yes. Did Forest create that situation?Incident: Nottingham Forest has a goal disallowed due to Igor Jesus’ handball.Minute: 35
What happened: Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest) and Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool) contested the ball in the area. Konaté, upon falling, hit the ball against Jesus’ body, who then scored the goal. The referee considered that the ball hit Jesus’ arm before he scored, disallowing the goal.VAR Decision: VAR confirmed the referee’s decision, disallowing the goal for accidental handball.VAR Review: The initial VAR position is the decision on the field. Bell needed definitive evidence that the ball did not hit Jesus’ arm to intervene.Verdict: This decision will generate debate, and Forest will feel unlucky. The rule states that it is a foul if a player scores directly with their hand or arm, even accidentally, or immediately after the ball touches them. The referee’s decision was brave, considering his position. The trajectory of the ball and Jesus’ body shape gave him clues that the ball hit the Forest player’s arm. Bell had no evidence to contradict Madley’s decision. Neutral fans (and Forest fans) will be disappointed, but goals cannot be scored with the hand or arm, even accidentally. It may seem unfair, but the law dictates it.
