VAR could have made difference
NEWCASTLE United’s Carabao Cup defeat may have been deserved on the balance of play – but United were still left fuming at a key decision at the final whistle.
But it was only the luck of the draw which prevented the use of VAR in Wednesday’s match.
Goalkeeper Luke Steele’s injury-time challenge on United’s Ayoze Perez appeared to be a stonewall penalty, but referee Jeremy Simpson thought otherwise.
It prompted a furious reaction from Perez at the final whistle, but ironically if the game had been at St James’ Park the referee could have asked for a video replay.
For the first time this season, video assistant refereeing is available in the League Cup as part of move to gradually introduce the system into the English game.
However, the facility is only available in Premier League grounds – meaning the City Ground clash did not have that option.
Earlier this year the Football League announced that Premier League teams had voted in favour of using VAR during the competition – as seen in the World Cup in Russia.
The understanding is that this was due to the Premier League stadiums being connected to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) base at Stockley Park near Heathrow Airport, where the screenings for the trial of VAR are being carried out. The EFL backed the trial with this in mind.
The EFL described the move as a continuation of its ‘commitment’ to the trial of VAR.
In a statement released last week, the EFL said: “Three matches taking place on Tuesday 28 August will utilise VAR – the first time that the technology will feature in multiple matches at the same time in this country – as the EFL continues its commitment to support English football’s contribution to the live trial currently taking place.”
Back in April, the EFL noted: “Premier League clubs have today agreed to continue advanced testing of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) throughout season 2018/19.
“The decision came after comprehensive discussions regarding the progress made in VAR trials in English football, and key learnings from the many competitions using it elsewhere.”