VAR assessment: Was another penalty warranted for Man City during their defeat to Liverpool?
The video assistant referee generates debate each week, whether in the Premier League, Champions League, or FA Cup. But how are decisions reached, and are they accurate?
This season, we will examine significant incidents to clarify the process regarding VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.
Andy Davies (@andydaviesref), a former Select Group referee, has over 12 seasons of experience on the elite list, officiating in both the Premier League and Championship. With his extensive background at the top level, he has worked within the VAR framework in the Premier League and provides valuable insights into the procedures, reasoning, and protocols implemented on a Premier League matchday.
Man City 4-0 Liverpool
Referee: Michael Oliver
VAR: Paul Howard
Time: 17 minutes
Incident: Potential penalty for Man City
What happened: Rayan Cherki of City attempted to maneuver around Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez, who challenged for the ball. Cherki fell to the ground as his City teammates called for a penalty. Pep Guardiola, observing from the stands due to a touchline ban, appeared displeased when TV cameras captured him watching a replay.
VAR decision: Referee Michael Oliver ruled that no penalty was warranted, with VAR quickly reviewing and concurring. VAR concluded that Kerkez’s challenge did not constitute a foul.
Verdict: As is often discussed, the initial point for any review is the referee’s decision on the field and their reasoning. Communications from referee Oliver indicated that Kerkez made contact with the ball first, with the subsequent contact resulting from the natural movements of both the attacker and defender, with no foul committed by the defender. The VAR was satisfied that the referee’s real-time interpretation of the incident aligned with the replays, confirming the decision as accurate.
This was the correct decision. City players expressed their frustration, but for a penalty to be awarded, a clear foul would have needed to occur to prompt the referee to consult the pitchside monitor. As Oliver described, the second contact that left Cherki on the ground was a result of both players’ natural movements, leading to unavoidable contact. There is a perspective that Cherki may have dragged his left leg to seek contact and induce a foul, and there is evidence supporting this view.
Such situations can be misinterpreted by a referee. However, Oliver was well-positioned and assessed the incident appropriately.
Time: 38 minutes
Incident: Penalty awarded to Man City
What happened: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool challenged Nico O’Reilly in the penalty area, resulting in the City player falling. Referee Michael Oliver promptly pointed to the penalty spot.
VAR decision: VAR Paul Howard conducted a swift review and confirmed that the on-field decision was correct, clearing the ruling.
Verdict: It is unclear why Van Dijk appeared so upset with the referee’s ruling. The decision was undoubtedly correct. The Liverpool captain was late in his tackle and failed to make contact with the ball. It was a clear foul and warranted a penalty.
Time: 38 minutes
Incident: Penalty awarded to Liverpool
What happened: Man City defender Matheus Nunes fouled Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike late with a challenge in the City penalty area. Referee Oliver was well-positioned and awarded a penalty to Liverpool.
VAR decision: The on-field penalty decision was reviewed and confirmed.
Verdict: This was a straightforward review for the VAR, who likely recognized the situation in real time due to the clear and unnecessary foul by Nunes. However, a complete check process was still necessary, utilizing three different camera angles to ensure confidence in the on-field decision.
Michael Oliver made the correct decision on the field, one that did not pose much of a challenge for him. The challenge was late, unnecessary, and an unusual choice by Nunes, as Ekitike was heading toward the goal line with minimal threat.
From a VAR standpoint, incidents do not get much simpler than this for review. It was a successful afternoon for Oliver and VAR Paul Howard, following a week where VAR faced considerable criticismβthree out of four match-going fans in England expressed opposition to VAR in a survey.
The officiating team at Etihad Stadium will likely be satisfied with their performance.
