Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Sparks Weekly Premier League Drama
It’s another week in the Premier League, and once again, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has taken center stage, leaving fans, players, and pundits alike debating its decisions. From red cards to penalty claims, VAR continues to be a lightning rod for controversy. But how exactly are these decisions made, and are they always correct? Let’s dive into this week’s VAR Review to break down the most contentious moments and the reasoning behind them.
In this week’s VAR Review: Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson was sent off in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Fulham, while Fulham’s Issa Diop and Andreas Pereira escaped potential red cards. Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund had a penalty shout against Manchester City, and Aston Villa’s penalty claim at Nottingham Forest also came under scrutiny. Let’s dissect these incidents one by one.
Liverpool 2-2 Fulham
Possible Red Card Overturn: Robertson’s DOGSO on Wilson
What happened: In the 16th minute, Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson intercepted a ball intended for Fulham’s Harry Wilson but miscontrolled it, allowing Wilson to steal possession. Robertson then fouled Wilson, and referee Tony Harrington awarded a free kick and showed Robertson a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO). The VAR reviewed the foul, the DOGSO, and a potential offside against Wilson.
VAR decision: Red card stands.
VAR review: This incident was packed with moving parts. Referee Harrington allowed play to continue briefly, giving Fulham’s Raúl Jiménez a chance to score. However, Jiménez missed, and the DOGSO offense remained active. If Jiménez had scored, Robertson would have only received a yellow card. The foul itself was clear, but the question was whether Wilson’s touch and positioning truly constituted a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Wilson’s heavy touch pushed the ball to the left, making it uncertain whether he could regain control and shoot before Virgil van Dijk intervened. While the red card decision was upheld, many believe there was enough doubt for VAR to downgrade it to a yellow. Liverpool may appeal the one-match ban, which would rule Robertson out of the Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Southampton.
Verdict: A harsh red card. While Robertson’s foul was undeniable, Wilson’s touch and Van Dijk’s presence cast doubt on whether it was a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Possible Red Card: Diop’s Foul on Robertson
What happened: Fulham’s Issa Diop was booked in the second minute for a high challenge on Robertson. The VAR reviewed the incident for a possible red card.
VAR decision: No red card.
VAR review: Diop’s challenge was mistimed rather than malicious, with no excessive force or intensity. While it raised questions, the yellow card was deemed sufficient.
Verdict: The yellow card was an acceptable decision, as Diop’s contact was not severe enough to warrant a red.
Possible Red Card: Pereira’s Foul on Gravenberch
What happened: Andreas Pereira was booked in the ninth minute for a foul on Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch. The VAR checked for a possible red card.
VAR decision: No red card.
VAR review: Pereira’s contact lacked the intensity seen in similar incidents that have led to red cards. While referees chief Howard Webb recently suggested such fouls should be punished more harshly, Pereira’s challenge didn’t meet the threshold for VAR intervention.
Verdict: A yellow card was a reasonable outcome given the lower force in Pereira’s challenge.
Man City 1-2 Man United
Possible Penalty: Dias on Højlund
What happened: In the 64th minute, Rasmus Højlund went down in the penalty area under a challenge from Rúben Dias. Referee Anthony Taylor awarded a goal kick, and the VAR reviewed the incident.
VAR decision: No penalty.
VAR review: The incident appeared to be a normal coming together of players. While Dias may have made slight contact, it wasn’t enough to warrant a penalty. Højlund’s lean into Dias also contributed to the lack of a clear foul.
Verdict: The decision to stick with the on-field call was justified, as there wasn’t enough evidence for a VAR intervention.
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa
Possible Penalty: Anderson on Rogers
What happened: Morgan Rogers went down in the penalty area after a tug from Elliot Anderson. Referee Sam Barrott allowed play to continue, and the VAR reviewed the incident.
VAR decision: No penalty.
VAR review: Similar incidents this season have not resulted in penalties, creating a precedent. Additionally, Rogers was seen pulling Anderson’s shirt first, which would have negated any penalty decision.
Verdict: The initial foul by Rogers meant a penalty was unlikely, and the VAR’s decision to uphold the on-field call was consistent with precedent.
Final Thoughts
- VAR continues to divide opinion, with subjective decisions like DOGSO and penalty claims often leaving fans frustrated.
- While the technology aims to ensure fairness, its application remains inconsistent, fueling debates about its effectiveness.
- As the season progresses, expect more drama and controversy as VAR remains a central figure in Premier League action.
What do you think? Was Robertson’s red card too harsh? Should Højlund have been awarded a penalty? Let us know your thoughts!
Originally Written by: Dale Johnson
