- VAR could be scrapped if Premier League clubs vote against it next month
- There have been a number of VAR decisions that upset clubs over the past year
- Manchester United should play at Wembley for two years, tear down Old Trafford and build a Tottenham-esque stadium – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Premier League clubs are set to vote on whether to scrap VAR at a shareholders’ meeting next month ahead of next season.
The proposal was put forward by Wolves, with the Midlands clubs unhappy at a number of decisions that have gone against them this season.
It will require 14 clubs to vote in favour of VAR being scrapped for the technology to be removed for the 2024-25 season.
Since being introduced to the Premier League five years ago, VAR has divided teams and supporters over whether it has improved the game or not.
Mail Sport takes a look at six VAR moments from the past 12 months that sparked major controversy.
There is set to be a vote on whether to scrap VAR in the Premier League next season
Jeremy Doku: Man City vs Liverpool – March 10, 2024
City winger Doku went crashing into Alexis Mac Allister in the penalty area in the dying moments of their Anfield clash. The referee decided that it wasn’t a penalty, and VAR controversially stuck with the on-field decision. The game drew 1-1.
Jeremy Doku appeared to kick Alexis Mac Allister in the chest but Liverpool were not given a penalty
Willy Boly: Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth – December 23, 2023
Boly was shown a second yellow card in the first half hour for a challenge on Bournemouth’s Adam Smith, sparking controversy as Forest went on to lose 3-2. Boly won the ball, his momentum taking out Smith. VAR were unable to intervene as they can’t overturn yellow cards.
Anthony Gordon: Newcastle vs Arsenal – November 4, 2023
A scrappy goal by Gordon was allowed to stand after VAR checked three points – the ball going out of play, a possible offside against the scorer, and a possible push by Joelinton on Arsenal defender Gabriel. The offside was probably the most contentious decision, with the VAR unable to draw their lines due to the ball being obscured in their video replays.
Tyrone Mings: Aston Villa vs Liverpool – May 20, 2023
Mings was incredibly lucky to get away with just a yellow card when he went flying in on Cody Gakpo at the end of last season, catching him in the chest as Villa drew 1-1 with Liverpool. Gakpo removed his shirt and the Liverpool forward was left with visible cuts, but the Villa defender had already been excused after a VAR check.
Tyrone Mings was lucky to avoid a red card for a high challenge on Cody Gakpo last year
Luis Diaz: Liverpool vs Tottenham – September 30, 2023
This one tops the list. Mo Salah played Luis Diaz through on goal, and the forward found the back of the net – only for the assistant to flag for offside. VAR mistakenly thought the on-field decision had been to award the goal and told the referee the check was complete. VAR learned of their mistake after the game had restarted and were unable to overturn their decision. Tottenham went on to win 2-1.
Luis Diaz was denied a goal after VAR wrongly completed a check believing that the goal had been given on the pitch when the offside flag had actually gone up
Andre Onana: Man United vs Wolves – August 14, 2023
This one from the opening day of the season isn’t far behind, when Wolves were denied the opportunity to level the game in the 97th minute. Onana charged from his line as Sasa Kalajdzic attacked a cross, only to miss the ball and take out the player. VAR checked, and no penalty was awarded.
Andre Onana was fortunate to not concede a penalty after clattering into Sasa Kalajdzic on his Old Trafford debut