Time to press play on the video referee

THE Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be used in the FA Cup for the first time in tonight’s third-round tie between Brighton and Crystal Palace. Here is how it will work...

WHAT INCIDENTS CAN THE VAR REVIEW?

Only goals, straight red cards, penalties and mistaken identity will be reviewed by the VAR, who will watch the game from Stockley Park studios in Middlesex along with their assistant (AVAR) using a direct feed from all the TV cameras. They can also assist in judging encroachment when a penalty is taken — if the player encroaching directly influences the outcome.

HOW IS AN INCIDENT REVIEWED?

There are two scenarios in which a review will take place. The VAR will conduct their own ‘checks’ during the game and can recommend a review to the on-field referee if they think an error has been made. The referee can either accept the VAR’s verdict and change his decision or conduct an onfield review at the side of the pitch where he will view footage of the incident. If there is a clear error, such as an offside, the referee will change the call. On average, the VAR checks around 25 incidents per game, of which two to four are usually reviewed.

HOW FAR IN PLAY CAN THE REFEREE GO BACK?

In the case of a goal, the VAR goes back to the start of the attacking phase which led to the goal. The VAR may inform the referee to hold up the restart while a ‘check’ is completed.

WON’T IT CAUSE DELAYS?

A review takes around two minutes and it is to correct only clear and obvious errors and not 50-50 calls. Clear errors are usually quite obvious, hence the short review time in the majority of incidents.