VAR Under Fire: 13 Errors Recorded in Premier League So Far

The Premier League has recorded 13 Video Assistant Referee (VAR) errors in the first half of the current season, according to an independent review panel set up to assess officiating decisions.

The figure represents an increase compared to the same stage last season, although it remains lower than error levels recorded in earlier campaigns. Most of the mistakes were attributed to missed interventions, where VAR officials failed to recommend a review of incorrect on-field decisions.

The number of incorrect interventions, where VAR stepped in unnecessarily, declined slightly, reflecting continued emphasis on the “clear and obvious error” standard.

The review panel also identified several refereeing mistakes that fell below the threshold for VAR involvement, highlighting ongoing challenges in match officiating.

High-profile matches affected by VAR errors included fixtures involving Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City, with incidents ranging from unawarded penalties to missed red-card offences.

The panel, which includes former players, coaches and match officials, conducts weekly assessments of key match incidents, focusing first on the referee’s decision before evaluating VAR’s role.