How has VAR changed the Premier League?
The 2024-25 Premier League season has captivated football fans worldwide, demonstrating why it remains the most popular in the world. With some thrilling matches already, this season is shaping up to be one to remember, with action at both ends of the table making a bet on Premier League games so unpredictable.
However, beyond the on-pitch action, one element has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern game: the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The road to VAR’s acceptance was not without its bumps. Its debut in English football occurred during an FA Cup match in 2018 between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion, a game marred by confusion and delays that frustrated fans and players alike.
The Premier League eventually introduced VAR to address a combination of poor refereeing decisions that often influenced key moments in matches, and the arrival of advanced technology capable of providing more accurate and consistent outcomes – the most infamous being Charlie Austin’s when Southampton were denied three points against Watford in 2018.
“It’s ridiculous, they shouldn’t be in the game,” Austin said. “We scored a perfectly good goal that was ruled out for offside. The officials cost us two points. They said it was offside, that is a joke.
“People go on about VAR, they clearly need help. If this is the best, most-watched league in the world then give them all the help they need.
“Sure there are many positives, we worked hard, we deserved three points and we would have got that had we not been let down by the official.”
This season marks the fifth year since the Premier League adopted VAR in full capacity. First trialled in other competitions, it was officially introduced to the Premier League in the 2019/20 season.
Its purpose was simple: to reduce errors in critical situations like penalties, offside calls, and red card incidents. Despite initial scepticism, VAR has since become an integral part of the league.
VAR has produced some of football’s most unforgettable moments, particularly in European competitions. One of the earliest examples was Raheem Sterling’s disallowed goal for Manchester City in the 2019 Champions League quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur.
The decision to overturn the goal shocked fans and demonstrated VAR’s capacity to change the course of matches in an instant.
In the Premier League, similar interventions have changed the outcome of title races, European qualification, and relegation battles, emphasising its importance in modern football. While it hasn’t eliminated controversy, it has significantly reduced errors and brought more consistency to the game.
As the Premier League approaches the hectic festive schedule, VAR’s role will be more crucial than ever. With games coming thick and fast, referees rely on the technology to maintain consistency during a period where fixture congestion can lead to heightened tensions and errors. Its influence could prove decisive in shaping the second half of the season, from title races to the battle for survival.
VAR has undeniably changed the Premier League, bringing fairness and accountability to the world’s most-watched football competition. While it hasn’t been without challenges, its evolution continues to enhance the game, ensuring that the league remains a benchmark for innovation and excellence in football.
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