Is soccer improved without VAR? FA Cup indicates uncertainty remains.

Reflect on last month’s FA Cup third round. Recall how “invigorating” it was to witness high-level football without VAR? This sentiment was shared by numerous players, coaches, fans, and analysts. Many expressed that the experience of football was simply enhanced without VAR.

However, the FA Cup fourth round this weekend elicited a completely different response.

Each year, the intermediate rounds of the FA Cup evoke memories of a time when top-tier football was played without VAR, as it is only implemented from the fifth round onward. Yet, as demonstrated this weekend, it does not imply that officiating disputes vanish.

In a single match—Newcastle United’s visit to Aston Villa on Saturday—there was a missed red card, a penalty that was not awarded, and an offside goal that was incorrectly permitted. Even during a weekend that commenced with Barcelona waiting eight minutes for VAR to disallow a goal against Atlético Madrid, the FA Cup fourth round served as a reminder of the necessity for its introduction.

The disparity between the third and fourth rounds of the FA Cup illustrates the dilemma football faces: regarding VAR, it is uncertain about its desires. It believes it knows, but in reality, it does not.

While VAR diminishes some enjoyment from the game, it contributes a level of precision that top-flight football has come to expect.

With this context, in this week’s “VAR Review” column, we examine the significant incidents and ponder: How would VAR have intervened?

Andy Davies (@andydaviesref) is a former Select Group referee with over 12 seasons on the elite list, officiating in both the Premier League and Championship. With extensive experience at the highest level, he has worked within the VAR framework in the Premier League and provides a unique perspective on the processes, reasoning, and protocols that are applied on a Premier League matchday.

Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle United

Referee: Chris Kavanagh
VAR: No VAR

Time: 14th minute
Incident: Tammy Abraham goal

What happened: Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz executed a close-range free kick over the Newcastle United wall. He connected with striker Abraham, who controlled the ball with his chest and finished past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Referee’s decision: Goal

Verdict: This was precisely the type of goal that would likely be disallowed in the Premier League. Replays indicate that the striker was in a clear offside position when Luiz quickly played his free kick over the Newcastle defenders. This factual error would have been swiftly identified by semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) in the Premier League, resulting in the goal being annulled.

However, without such technology, it is not a simple call for the assistant referee. For one, it occurs at match speed, and it is important to note that Villa defender Victor Lindelöf obstructs the assistant’s view.

Time: 42nd minute
Incident: Lucas Digne tackle on Jacob Murphy

What happened: Aston Villa defender Digne made a rapid sliding tackle on Newcastle winger Murphy, making contact with his shin without touching the ball.

Referee’s decision: Yellow card

Verdict: The assistant referee and fourth official were both well-positioned to assess this incident, and referee Kavanagh would have consulted them prior to issuing the yellow card. Nevertheless, the speed, intensity, and lack of control from Digne warranted a red card.

Undoubtedly, this challenge would have been flagged at the VAR control center in Stockley Park, and an on-field review would likely have ensued. This would have provided Kavanagh with another chance to evaluate the challenge and, ideally, alter his decision.

However, without the support of VAR, the on-field ruling was conclusive.

Time: 61 minutes
Incident: Digne handball

What happened: Newcastle right back Kieran Trippier sent a cross into the Villa box, but Digne blocked it just inside the 18-yard-box with his arm, which was clearly raised above his head.

Referee’s decision: Free-kick awarded for handball (not a penalty)

Verdict: The officiating team awarded a free-kick instead of a penalty, believing the foul occurred outside the 18-yard-box. Referee Kavanagh’s attention appeared to shift from the point of contact of Trippier’s boot to the center of the penalty area, making him susceptible to overlooking such an infringement. His reliance in this case was on his assistant. However, both officials need to be aware of the positioning of any defender who could commit a foul, necessitating a crucial decision. At the elite level, this is fundamental. Both officials are ultimately responsible.

This was another instance where VAR would have provided a straightforward safety net. It could have factually overturned the initial decision and awarded a penalty without requiring the referee to consult the on-field monitor.

Kavanagh may feel let down by his team during the critical moments of this match. Nevertheless, he bears the ultimate accountability as the head referee. This is the reality of being an elite referee: regardless of how well the remainder of the match unfolds, you are evaluated based on the pivotal moments. Without VAR and without significant assistance from his team, the outcome was a challenging scenario.

Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

Time: 22nd minute
Incident: Omar Marmoush disallowed goal

What happened: Manchester City forward Marmoush was played through on goal and struck the ball into the top-left corner, a goal that would have given City a 2-0 lead. However, it was ruled out for offside.

Referee’s decision: Offside

Verdict: Initially, the decision to disallow Marmoush’s goal for offside appears to be incorrect, but further examination is not so clear-cut. It is crucial to recognize that such situations can often be misleading to the naked eye, depending on the camera angle. The most effective resolution to clarify any ambiguity would have been a VAR check. Unfortunately, that will have to wait until the next round.