Premier League managers push for sensible VAR change to rid ‘nervousness’

Premier League managers are urging for a common-sense change to VAR appointments as the technology continues to be a significant talking point.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was introduced to the English top flight at the start of the 2019/2020 season, and it has been a constant source of debate since.

After Virgil van Dijk‘s goal was disallowed at Man City, Liverpool contacted the PGMOL to raise “serious concerns” over the gaps in the VAR process.

As it stands, on-field referees are paired with a different lead VAR operator, meaning there is no opportunity for consistency in communication and accuracy.

But Premier League managers want that to change, according to League Managers Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Bevan, who helps represent managers in the Premier League and EFL, said: “We’ve had a lot of Premier League managers’ meetings with Howard Webb, some good and some not so good.





“Premier League managers would very much like to see the VAR referee being someone who is refereeing with the man on the pitch every week, so there’s not a nervous relationship.

“That’s so they understand each other, they understand how they operate to a greater degree, and Howard Webb and PGMOL are working towards that.

“Recruitment is a big issue for them, and training and development. I think they will get there eventually, but it’s about trying to make fewer errors, because VAR is here to stay.

He added: “The VAR referee should be permanent, not one week on and one week off. The more games that they do, practice makes perfect.”



It is a sensible next step for the Premier League to take as it will help establish a working relationship that, hopefully, will create clearer communication and trust.

There is no single fix that will make all clubs, players or supporters happy, but if it contributes to consistent decision-making, that will go a long way in easing the current frustration.



Liverpool contact PGMOL



According to reports on Monday, Liverpool contacted referees’ chief Howard Webb “to raise serious concerns” about Van Dijk’s disallowed goal at the Etihad.

His goal was ruled out after the linesman raised his flag, with VAR Michael Oliver checking and confirming the decision, which ruled Andy Robertson was interfering in an offside position.

The club’s “view is that the usual checks and balances that are central to the VAR process did not take place, and they believe a different outcome may have been reached.”

Moreover, Liverpool believe “the wording of the law is clear and that no elements of the criteria needed to disallow the goal were met so it should have been allowed to stand.”

Michael Oliver has been branded a “disgrace” by disgruntled Liverpool supporters, with “corruption” claims made on the back of the Reds seeing big calls go against them early on against Manchester United. The Anfield faithful felt the game should have been stopped for a head injury before Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring inside two minutes on Merseyside.

Play on! Game not halted for Mac Allister head injury

A flying start to a meeting between two old adversaries saw Mbeumo break the deadlock. He produced a composed finish after running in behind the Liverpool defence – away from the likes of Virgil van Dijk – and firing into the back of the net. As he wheeled away in celebration, Alexis Mac Allister was sprawled out on the turf.

The World Cup-winning Argentina international was holding his head, having been caught in a challenge just inside the Liverpool half. He was struck by a stray elbow from Reds captain Van Dijk, which clearly left him in some discomfort. The game was not halted, though, with Oliver allowing play to go on and United to take the lead.

Penalty appeal! Amad handball shouts waved away

Liverpool were left fuming, with Arne Slot quick to get into the ear of the fourth official. Mac Allister required plenty of treatment on the field, having suffered a cut to the back of his head, and was left sporting a protective head guard. United are considered to have benefitted from a “loophole”, with VAR unable to intervene as no foul had been committed in the build-up to Mbeumo’s goal.

Understandably, Liverpool supporters were not happy, with more big decisions doing little to lift their mood. The home side thought they should have had a penalty at one stage as the ball struck the hand of United winger Amad inside the box. Protests there were waved away, with the VAR team sticking with Oliver’s on-field ruling.

What Liverpool fans said about big decisions

Reds fans were quick to air their disgust on social media. @IanDoyleSport said: “United have benefited from a loophole there. The ref hasn’t seen it, but VAR has after the goal goes in. But as it’s not a foul, how do they go back and stop the game? Bottom line is it’s a terrible error from Michael Oliver.” @LFCam0 added: “Don’t think I’ve seen a worse 20 minute refereeing performance in my life. Michael Oliver needs sacking.” Sticking with that theme, @SamueILFC said: “Michael Oliver is a disgrace of a referee for not stopping play because of a head injury.”

@FtblRocco chimed in with: “The Manc Michael Oliver not blowing his whistle for a head injury. What a shock that is.” @LukeSandoLFC said, as attention turned to the shout against Amad: “That’s clear handball !!!!! Michael Oliver is so corrupt!!!!!” @TylerPRadio added: “Is Michael Oliver okay? Not seen such a biased ref before, especially in such a big game like Liverpool v Man Utd. Casemiro fouled Mac Allister forcing him into someone else but it’s apparently Mac Allister who makes the foul. Then the Diallo handball not given.”

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Frustration for Liverpool after run of defeats

Liverpool had opportunities to restore parity in the first half against United, but were frustrated by the woodwork and some smart goalkeeping from Senne Lammens. They entered the interval trailing to a goal they believe should never have stood. Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, but Harry Maguire then headed in the winning goal six minutes later as United sealed a huge 2-1 victory.

Problems have been mounting for Slot of late, with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool heading into the October international break on the back of three successive defeats across all competitions. A fourth against United will come as a real sting, especially with more questions being asked of the match officials.

Why Arsenal Had a Penalty Overturned Against Fulham

The Gunners have had two penalties disallowed in three Premier League matches.

Bukayo Saka (right) appealed to Anthony Taylor (left) after the penalty w

VAR took away another Arsenal penalty, this time against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening after it was deemed Kevin got a touch on the ball rather than foulling Bukayo Saka.

CLEAR PENALTY DISALLOWED 

It’s the second time in three Premier League games that the Gunners have been given penalties on the field only for VAR to recommend officials have a second look at the monitor.

Saka dribbled into the Fulham penalty area before the Brazilian forward lunged in. Arsenal’s skipper went to ground as the ball rolled away with referee Anthony Taylor pointing to the spot. Initial discussions confirmed Saka was in the box as extended scrutiny followed regarding the action.

“After review, Fulham 22 [Kevin] makes a challenge and plays the ball. Therefore, no foul is committed. No penalty and restart is a drop ball to the goalkeeper,” Taylor announced to a raucous Craven Cottage.

Arsenal were 1–0 up at the time and held on to their slender advantage to move three points clear at the Premier League summit despite the referee’s best efforts.

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Arsenal Lose Penalty Appeal for Second Time in Three Games

Saka thought he won a penalty for his side in the second half. / Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

The decision at Craven Cottage comes 20 days after Arsenal had a penalty overturned by VAR against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

In that game, Viktor Gyökeres had collided with goalkeeper Nick Pope in a one-vs-one situation which prompted on-pitch referee Jarred Gillett to initially award a penalty. Saturday’s ruling was similar to the decision at Newcastle.

“After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball,” Gillett said after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor. The referee further revealed because of a hot mic that Pope got a touch on the ball with his toe.

Just as this weekend, Arsenal went on to claim a narrow win thanks to a set-piece goal.

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