The VAR in the Premier League: Weekly Analysis of Key Decisions
Every weekend, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) generates controversy in the Premier League. We analyze the most important decisions, examining the process and its correct application according to the Laws of the Game.
In this edition, we review the most controversial incidents:
Why was a penalty awarded to Manchester United in the match against Fulham, but their goal stood?
Should Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford have been sent off against Tottenham Hotspur?
Fulham 1-1 Manchester United
Possible Disallowed Goal: Yoro’s foul on Bassey.What happened: In the 58th minute, following a corner from Manchester United, Yoro’s header deflected the ball into the net after a shot by Muniz of Fulham. VAR reviewed a possible foul by Yoro on Bassey.VAR Decision: The goal was validated.VAR Analysis: VAR rarely intervenes to disallow a goal for a foul in the Premier League. The attacking player is considered to have the right to create space, leaving the decision to the referee. The VAR intervention on a previous defensive foul was considered inconsistent by not intervening in Yoro’s action.Description: Leny Yoro with his hands on Calvin Bassey.Verdict: VAR was reluctant to intervene in this situation, considering that the referee should make the decision. However, the lack of intervention raised doubts about consistency.Possible Penalty: Bassey’s foul on Mount.What happened: In the 33rd minute, during a Manchester United corner, a possible foul by Bassey on Mount was reviewed.VAR Decision: Penalty, missed by Bruno Fernandes.VAR Analysis: Emphasis was placed on the holds within the area, looking for clear actions and not simple contacts. Bassey brought down Mount, which justified the penalty.Description: Sandro Tonali was awarded a penalty for being brought down by James Tarkowski of Everton.Verdict: The new guidelines seek to punish the most obvious examples of holding. Bassey committed a clear foul, justifying the penalty.Description: Mason Mount is brought down by Calvin Bassey.
Manchester City 0-2 Tottenham
Possible Red Card: Trafford’s foul on Kudus.What happened: In the 40th minute, Kudus was about to receive a ball when Trafford came out of the area and they collided. Referee Peter Bankes allowed the game to continue, but VAR reviewed the play for a possible red card.VAR Decision: No red card.VAR Analysis: Trafford’s foul was clear, but VAR doesn’t intervene in simple fouls. The analysis focused on whether there should have been a red card. The possible DOGSO by hand was ruled out and it was considered that Trafford did not use excessive force.Description: James Trafford fouls Mohammed Kudus with a raised knee.
The analysis continued with DOGSO, determining whether Trafford’s foul prevented a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The conclusion was that, as there was no handball, Trafford’s play did not generate a clear opportunity for the Tottenham player.Description: Guglielmo Vicario deliberately touched the ball outside the area, but there was no DOGSO situation.Verdict: DOGSO often depends on the perception and position of the ball and opponents. Although Trafford’s play may have seemed like a red card, VAR determined that there were insufficient elements for intervention.Description: Did James Trafford’s touch on the ball rule out a possible red card for DOGSO?Possible Penalty: Van de Ven’s foul on Bobb.What happened: In the 52nd minute, Van de Ven stepped on Bobb’s foot inside the area, but the referee didn’t call a penalty.VAR Decision: No penalty.VAR Analysis: The referee’s decision was allowed to stand. Van de Ven’s contact on Bobb’s foot should have been a penalty.
Arsenal 5-0 Leeds
Possible Hand: Saliba on Timber’s goal.What happened: In the 56th minute, Timber scored after a corner. A possible handball by Saliba was reviewed.VAR Decision: The goal was validated.VAR Analysis: Accidental handball is only penalized if it’s by the goal scorer. Timber’s goal was valid.Description: It is unclear whether the ball touched William Saliba’s arm.Verdict: There was no clear evidence of sanctionable hand.
Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa
Possible Foul: Collins’ foul on Martinez.What happened: Brentford thought they had scored a goal in the 43rd minute, but the referee disallowed it for a foul by Collins on goalkeeper Martinez.VAR Decision: No goal.VAR Analysis: The referee’s decision was upheld. Collins appeared to move towards Martinez, although the goalkeeper’s foul was evident.Description: It was ruled that Nathan Collins (hidden) fell on goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.Verdict: The referee’s decision stood, although the foul was debatable.
Everton 2-0 Brighton
Possible Penalty Cancelled: Dewsbury-Hall’s handball.What happened: Brighton was awarded a penalty in the 76th minute for a handball by Dewsbury-Hall.VAR Decision: The penalty stood, and Danny Welbeck’s shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.Description: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall raises his arm and blocks a shot from Yankuba Minteh.VAR analysis: The penalty was confirmed, as Dewsbury-Hall moved his arm towards the ball.Verdict: The penalty was correct, as Dewsbury-Hall moved his arm.
Burnley 1-0 Sunderland
Possible Red Card: Violent conduct by Adingra.What happened: Adingra received a yellow card in the 19th minute for hitting Mejbri in the face. It was reviewed for a possible red card.VAR Decision: No red card.Description: Simon Adingra’s actions were not considered violent conduct.VAR Analysis: The law on violent conduct requires that the force be significant. Adingra was cautioned with a yellow card.Verdict: The yellow card was the correct decision, as there was no significant force in Adingra’s action.
