VAR

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League history made as Eberechi Eze has goal ruled out for Crystal Palace vs Man City

      by

      PREMIER League history has been made after the new semi-automated offside technology chalked off its first goal.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze thought he had made it 3-0 to the Eagles against Manchester City this afternoon.Eberechi Eze was judged to be offside by the semi-automated systemA tracking system using 10,000 plus data points for each player recognised that the Palace ace was ahead of the City defender’s kneeCredit: @PLMatchCentreIt then produced a graphic of the offside to show Eze had gone too earlyCredit: @PLMatchCentreThe England midfielder sprinted in behind the City defence and finished beyond Ederson before being flagged offside by the linesman.Eze was adamant that he had timed his run to perfection, wagging his finger in disbelief at the decision.The goal was immediately checked by VAR’s semi-automated offside technology and within seconds it was confirmed that he had narrowly gone too early.It was the first time in Prem history that a goal was disallowed following the new check.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision proved to be a major turning point as City fought back from 2-0 down to level before eventually going 4-2 ahead.Chalking off Eze’s goal was semi-automated offside’s second use in the game after it supported the on-field decision to award his first strike after a possible offside in the build-up from Ismaila Sarr.In the second-half it was also used to confirm City’s fourth goal by James McAtee.Fans praised the new system, with one saying: “Semi-automated offside is pleasant to see.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Took a matter of seconds yet it took till April with only six games of the league season left for the Premier League to bring it in.”Others disagreed, commenting: “Oh look, finally a decision graphic but it doesn’t even show that they’ve gotten the timing of the pass correct. This is useless.”The new system, devised by the US-based company Genius Sports, aims to reduce offside waiting times to an average of 30 seconds.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsA whopping 28 cameras per match are deployed to track 10,000 plus data points for each player to reach the decisions.Explaining the tech, a Prem statement read: “Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR).“It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans.“The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.”Eze was in disbelief over the offsideCredit: AFP More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Atletico vs Real Madrid VAR official replaced for Tottenham clash after Julian Alvarez penalty controversy

      by

      THE VAR responsible for chalking off Julian Alvarez’s controversial ‘double-kick’ penalty has been axed from his next European game.Tomasz Kwiatkowski, the Polish official, has been removed from the refereeing set-up for Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt. Alvarez was adjudged to have touched the ball twice upon scoring his penaltyCredit: ReutersFootball fans struggled to see the momentCredit: TNT SportsThe penalty was chalked off and Real Madrid advanced in the Champions LeagueCredit: APKwiatkowski fuelled a frenzy during the penalty shoot-out between city rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 at the Estadio Metropolitano, when he disallowed Alvarez’s successful spot-kick in a matter of seconds. Kwiatkowski deemed that the Argentine had touched the ball twice as he slotted past Thibaut Courtois.That sparked outrage amongst Atleti staff and supporters alike. There was such an uproar after the game that Uefa were forced to back the VAR’s decision with an official statement, even releasing a video of the spot kick to demonstrate Kwiatkowski’s thought process.Read More FootballThe incident also prompted Uefa to admit that they were ready to readdress the ‘double-kick’ law. It seemed as though things would return to normal when the fiasco simmered down, but the debate has been reignited by Kwiatkowski’s axing for Spurs’ Europa League tie with Frankfurt.Uefa have not publicly given a reason as to why the change has been made, leaving fans in the dark ahead of tonight’s game.Kwiatkowski has been part of referee Szymon Marciniak’s team since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he will not be in London as initially planned.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInstead, he will be replaced by Spaniard Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez in the VAR control room.Tottenham host Frankfurt in tonight’s game, which kicks off at 8pm.About to get sacked on air’ – Micah Richards stuns Kate Abdo into eight-second silence with crude innuendoSzymon Marciniak will be without his usual VAR when he takes charge of Spurs’ encounter against FrankfurtReal came out on top in the shootout, earning them a meeting with Arsenal in the quarter-finalsCredit: Alamy More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Killing the game’ rant furious fans as Tottenham denied goal after ‘ridiculous’ FIVE-MINUTE VAR check

      by

      FANS have claimed VAR is “killing” football after Tottenham were denied a goal after a five minute check.Lucas Bergvall found the net against Southampton before being chalked off following a lengthy review.Tottenham had a goal disallowed following a five minute VAR checkVAR judged Cristian Romero to have committed a foul in the build-upLucas Bergvall thought he had doubled Tottenham’s leadCredit: GettyThe midfielder poked home after Cristian Romero headed a free-kick back across goal.But Romero was judged to have pushed his opponent in the back as he won the header, meaning the goal was not allowed to stand.It took ages for VAR to reach their conclusion, much to the frustration of fans watching on.Many criticised the officials for the five-minute delay and claimed VAR is ruining football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne supporter said: “It’s ridiculous. 5 minutes to rule ou Bergvall’s goal. How can that be clear and obvious? VAR is killing the game.”Another added: “Bruh, VAR doing a whole thesis on that goal 😂”A third wrote: “This needs to be sorted out. Five minutes for a VAR check is ridiculous!”And another commented: “This sport is FINISHED.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTottenham eventually added a second shortly before half-time with Brennan Johnson finding the net again.The winger opened the scoring in the 13th minute and now has 16 goals this season. Tottenham fans fume at Spurs flops as Ange Postecoglou ‘stays out firing line’ after GOADING them during loss at Chelsea More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      VAR official seen scrolling through betting site as shocking footage from top flight surfaces live on TV

      by

      A VAR official has landed in hot water after appearing to scroll through a betting site on live TV.A Bulgarian official is alleged to have been spotted using the site moments before kick-off between CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia.A VAR official appeared to scroll a betting site before a matchHe was suspended after footage of the incident began to circulate on social media.Hawk-Eye Innovations, which is responsible for the VAR system in the Bulgarian First League, explained the decision in a letter to the Bulgarian Football Union.It said: “Hawk-Eye Innovations acknowledges with regret an incident involving one of its VAR operators during the Parva Liga match between PFC CSKA-Sofia and PFC Lokomotiv Sofia yesterday evening (2nd April 2025).“Live footage from the camera situation in the VAR operations room documented the individual utilising a personal smartphone during the match and appearing to engage in inappropriate activities which would constitute gross misconduct in relation to the responsibilities of their assigned role.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe company said it would investigate the official during his suspension, as reported by NeedToKnow.It added: “If the individual has been found to have been engaging in such inappropriate activity, we will look to dismiss the individual in accordance with their contractual terms.”Fans were shocked by the revelation with one saying: “Lol that’s wild.”Another added: “Everything you need to know about VAR…”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Nah this is some nasty business.”And another commented: “We are in a very bad situation…”‘People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea loss More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I was on the point of doing something crazy’ – Liverpool legend admits VAR would have changed history in Everton clash

      by

      LIVERPOOL icon Dirk Kuyt has admitted his infamous Merseyside derby tackle was “crazy” and he should have been sent off.The shocking challenge was made during an ill-tempered fixture in 2007.Dirk Kuyt avoided a red card for a reckless tackle on Phil NevilleCredit: Sky SportsKuyt then stepped up and scored a late winner from the spotCredit: PA:Press AssociationLiverpool beat Everton 2-1 as David Moyes’ side went down to nine-men after red cards to Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville.Kuyt scored both goals for the Reds, including a dramatic 92nd minute penalty to win it.The strike was highly controversial as the Dutchman somehow escaped an early bath for a reckless and wild lunge on Neville.Kuyt went in two-footed above the Everton skipper’s knee but was given just a yellow by referee Mark Clattenburg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on the moment, Kuyt told The Telegraph: “I was very lucky to come away from that because if I had a red card, I would not have managed to score the winning goal. “It’s crazy when you play these kinds of games because there’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion.“I flew through the air and thank God there was no VAR there at the time. “When I was in the air, I knew I was way too late and I was on the point of doing something crazy. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I tried to hold my legs inside me just to be lucky not to touch him. I think I was very lucky not to get the red card.”Liverpool face Everton tonight and tempers could flare again after a huge bust-up at the end of their 2-2 thriller just seven weeks ago.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntKuyt, 44, is currently the manager of Belgian side Beerschot and it is his “dream” to one day fill Arne Slot’s shoes as Liverpool boss.Kuyt is now manager of Belgian outfit BeerschotCredit: AFP More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League announce major change to VAR to be introduced for last seven games of the season

      by

      PREM chiefs will finally roll out semi-automated offside technology for the final seven rounds of top flight games, starting on April 12.Club bosses approved the introduction of the new system last summer, with a planned launch in the autumn.A major VAR change is heading to the Premier League imminentlyCredit: ReutersSemi-automated offsides are coming into play later this monthCredit: PREMIER LEAGUEUS-based Genius Sport devised the specialist cameras – up to 28 per match – which deploy the “mesh tracking” of 10,000 plus data points for each player.But a series of issues and concerns about the accuracy of the system saw the launch date put back.While it was used for the first time at seven of the eight FA Cup fifth round ties, an eight minute delay before Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez’ “goal” against Wolves was eventually ruled out brought a cautious response from Prem leaders.All clubs had been warned that even with SAOT there will still be some situations – such as the one at Bournemouth – where crosshairs and lines will have to be used rather than simply taking the computer call and illustrating it with virtual animation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut last weekend’s quarter final games in the Cup passed off without any concerns.And Premier League bosses confirmed the decision, arguing: “The technology maintains the integrity of the VAR process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.”Prem chief football officer Tony Scholes is convinced that SAOT will speed up decision-making on offsides, cutting 30 seconds-plus off the time taken.Ongoing technical developments backed by Fifa should also see the swift end of assistants keeping their flags down on “tight” offsides, with automatic signalling if a player has broken the defensive line by more than a few inches.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe first match to experience it will be Man City’s Etihad clash against Crystal Palace on April 12.A full statement read: “The Premier League will introduce semi-automated offside technology on Saturday 12 April (Match Round 32). This follows non-live testing in the Premier League and live operation in the FA Cup this season.Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viral“Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR).“It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans.“The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.“The Premier League has worked in collaboration with PGMOL and sports data and technology company Genius Sports to develop the new semi-automated offside technology system.” More

    • 175 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League referee salaries revealed as officials are controversially blocked from boosting earnings abroad

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE referees’ huge pay packets have been revealed – and show they are among the country’s top earners. Their salaries appear to reflect their growing status in the game and the increasing pressure they are under every week as billions watch worldwide.The salaries of Premier League referees has been revealedCredit: RexFigures provided by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubs revealed what kind of money the Prem’s officials are pocketing, as reported by The Times.They showed that the average salary for a Premier League referee it between £170,000 and £180,000.While the top referees are earning around £250,000 per year.Officials are paid their salary at a base rate, which is then boosted by performance bonuses and match fees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat base rate ranges between £72,000 and £148,000, and varies according to experience and seniority in the role.Senior officials, such as Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, are likely to earn around £250,000 a year from their Premier League roles.While less-experienced refs, identified in ‘Select Group 1′, will earn closer to £125,000.When pension and national insurance contributions are factored in, it’s understood that the PGMOL averaged a total cost of £240,000 per referee. Most read in FootballBy comparison, the average salary for pilots and air traffic controllers is significantly less at £91,208.Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb revealed the figures in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubsCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLyon manager Paulo Fonseca faces SEVEN-MATCH ban after squaring up to referee in incredible meltdownWhile chief executives (£81,328) , IT directors (£81,588) and specialist medical practitioners’ (£73,320) salaries are all dwarfed by the officials’ pay packets too.However, top city workers such as those in finance, insurance and lawyers can earn far more than the Prem’s referees.Officials can boost their earnings outside the Premier League too, with many of the top referees chosen to take charge of Uefa sanctioned games in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.While they can also officiate at Fifa-run events like the Club World Cup and the World Cup proper.A report last year claimed that referees in the Champions League are paid between £5,300 and £9,000 per game.And major tournaments like the World Cup have been reported to earn officials between £38,700 and £54,000 – before match bonuses are added.Outside of those organisations, Premier League officials will find it difficult to boost their incomes.That’s because the PGMOL have now effectively prevented officials from taking charge of matches in the Gulf states.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe decision came last year, after Michael Oliver, Darren England and Dan Cook officiated a match in the United Arab Emirates less than 48 hours before a shocking VAR mistake in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last season.Concerns were voiced around how that looked for the Premier League given Manchester City’s United Arab Emirates ownership, and Newcastle United’s links to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.Officials failed to realise that Luis Diaz was onside during a clash between Liverpool and Tottenham last season More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans in stitches as Federico Chiesa doesn’t realise he’s scored after VAR announcement played over Wembley tannoy

      by

      FEDERICO CHIESA’S Liverpool career has not quite gone to plan since he joined Liverpool from Juventus last summer.But the Italian does now have a Wembley goal to his name after netting in stoppage time to halve Newcastle’s League Cup Final lead.Chiesa had a delayed reaction to the referee’s callCredit: GettyChiesa’s goal made for an intense period of extra timeCredit: APThe Italian’s cameo left fans wondering why Slot does not let him play more oftenCredit: PA MediaHowever, he was unable to prevent Newcastle lifting the trophy with a 2-1 win.Chiesa was put through a nervous wait before the goal was confirmed, though, as the VAR team took their time pondering an offside call.The goal would ultimately stand, prompting a panicked period of injury time as Liverpool desperatey pushed for an equaliser, to no avail.As the referee announced the decision over the Wembley Stadium tannoy, the camera panned to Chiesa, who wore a blank expression.Read more football newsThe referee announced to the crowd that Chiesa was onside when the ball was played, meaning the linesman’s flag in-game was overruled by VAR.But Chiesa appeared shocked and almost ready to protest.The Italian is a confident English speaker, regularly giving interviews in English before and since moving to Merseyside.Despite that, fans were quick in taking to social media to react to his confusion.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSeveral pointed out the gaffe, with one writing: “Funny how Chiesa reacted after VAR overturned the offside and confirmed he scores.”Man don’t understand English.”Juventus star Federico Chiesa leaves Turnin on private flight for transfer deal with Liverpool Despite that, supporters were very complimentary of his performance, producing an impressive cameo after coming off the substitute’s bench in the 74th minute.His incisiveness was a refreshing change from the contributions of Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota, who managed just one shot between them.One fan wrote on X: “Start Chiesa the rest of the season. Left wing, right wing, at the nine, I don’t care. Start him.”Others questioned why he has struggled for minutes as the 27-year-old has made just three Premier League appearances since signing thanks to a series of niggling injuries.The League Cup final loss caps a miserable week for Liverpool, who on Tuesday were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain after a penalty shootout. More