The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) often stirs debate in the Premier League, prompting questions about the decision-making process and its accuracy. This season, we will analyze notable incidents to clarify the VAR protocol and its relevance to the Laws of the Game.
Andy Davies (@andydaviesref) is a former Select Group referee who has spent over 12 seasons officiating at the highest level, including matches in the Premier League and Championship. With extensive experience in the VAR system within the Premier League, he provides valuable insights into the procedures, reasoning, and protocols observed during a matchday.
Referee: Andy Madley
VAR: Stuart Attwell
Time: 23rd minute
Incident: Potential penalty for Arsenal
Incident Summary: Arsenal believed they deserved a penalty in the first half after Michael Keane appeared to step on the Achilles of Kai Havertz while the Arsenal player was entering the penalty area. Referee Madley dismissed their appeals, and the VAR supported the on-field decision.
VAR Decision: VAR confirmed the referee’s decision not to award a penalty to Arsenal, concluding that the contact from Keane on Havertz was minimal.
VAR Review: The VAR assessed whether replays contradicted Referee Madley’s assessment or rationale for not awarding a penalty. Madley judged the contact as insufficient to impede Havertz’s progress, labeling it as minimal and not detrimental to the Arsenal player’s ability to continue his run or attempt a shot at goal. VAR concurred with Madley’s reasoning and upheld the no-penalty call.
Verdict: The lack of VAR intervention in this case is perplexing, as Keane’s contact, although not severe, did hinder Havertz’s potential to continue and take a shot. By stepping on Havertz’s Achilles, who had a positional advantage, the contact should be considered a foul in this context.
My confidence in the justification for not awarding a penalty is shaken. It seems that Referee Madley viewed the contact as standard, with both players colliding accidentally while pursuing the ball in the same direction, a perspective that makes sense in the moment. However, the visuals presented a different scenario, suggesting that a review on the field was warranted, and a penalty should have been given.