VAR

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      What are the changes to VAR offside rules for new Premier League season?

      by

      THE Premier League is back – but let’s hope VAR controversy is a thing of the past.Brought in to prevent howlers and help referees make the correct call, the Video Assistant Referee continues to divide fans around the country.

      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS

      Expect to see this screen plenty of times in the Prem this season – but bosses hope changes to the rules will appease fansCredit: PA
      With the system here to stay in the Premier League, bosses have introduced new rules for the 2021/22 season in effort to avoid the farcical scenes of the last two campaigns.
      What are changes to VAR offside rules this season?
      There were a number of calls last season which were measured in millimetres, infuriating fans amid calls that the technology wasn’t doing the job it was intended for.
      And referee bosses have admitted that around TWENTY goals not given last season, should have been.
      PGMOL boss Mike Riley explained: “Effectively what we have done is given back 20 goals to the game that were deemed offside last season by using quite forensic scrutiny.
      “So it’s the toenails, the noses of players that were offside – they won’t be offside now.”
      The lines drawn this season will be thicker – and bosses hope that will lead to clearer decision makingCredit: Sky Sports
      To combat the issue, VAR this season will use thicker lines to determine if a player is offside or not.
      Last campaign, the lines drawn by the Video Assistant Referee were millimeteres thick – this lead to decisions such as Patrick Bamford’s disallowed goal against Crystal Palace.
      The new lines will be 5cm wide – as seen in Euro 2020 – providing a greater margin of error with an offside only given if the attacker is noticeably past the defensive line.
      Offsides will also be measured from the armpit down, while TV viewers will no longer see the lines being drawn in real time.

      Has anything else changed?
      The VAR system is still a work in progress and expect it to throw up more controversy this season, even with the new rules in place.
      Officials are working hard to perfect the process though and there are some more minor changes coming in 2021/22.
      These include:

      Accidental handballs in the run-up to goals will no longer be penalised.
      Contact will no longer be enough to give a penalty – officials will have to decide whether the contact has impeded the attacker.
      Linesmen can now put up their flag immediately if there is no immediate goalscoring opportunity, rather than waiting for an attacker to touch the ball.
      There will be NINE subs allowed on the bench in the Prem, but you can only use three in the game.
      Backing into jumping defenders – as Harry Kane was criticised for doing last term – will now be regarded as dangerous play. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      New Premier League VAR rules for 2021-22 season revealed with thicker lines on offside and radical handball changes

      by

      THE Premier League returns this Friday as Arsenal travel to new-boys Brentford.And therefore it surely won’t be long before VAR is the hot topic on everyone’s lips again.
      The Premier League is heading into its third season with VAR in placeCredit: Getty
      The new rules behind how the technology will be implemented have been confirmedCredit: BT Sport

      The technology came in for its fair share of stick last season with the infamous ‘armpit offsides’ ruling out goals, harsh handballs punished and penalties galore.
      So SunSport rounds up what is changing, what is staying the same and what the experts are saying ahead of the third Premier League campaign with VAR…
      THICKER LINES
      The big one is the lines used to determine offsides will be thicker – moving from the 1mm ones that were too thin for the tech available to the ones seen on TV which are reportedly 5cm wide.
      This worked well at the Euros and essentially should help remove the ridiculous calls that were literally by fractions of an inch offside, therefore giving the benefit back to the attackers.
      Thicker lines will be used to determine the tight offside calls – rather than the 1mm ones used beforeCredit: Sky Sports
      PGMOL boss Mike Riley told the Premier League website: “Effectively what we have done is given back 20 goals to the game that were deemed offside last season by using quite forensic scrutiny.
      “So it’s the toenails, the noses of players that were offside – they won’t be offside now.”
      GET OFF SCREEN
      In previous seasons, fans watching on at home on the TV could see the lines being ‘drawn’ on the pitch as the VAR at Stockley Park reached their decision.
      This often led to screenshots getting shared on social media, often inaccurately, and further criticism.
      From now on, though, TV viewers won’t see that and will just be given the final decision.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET MO SALAH TO SCORE ONE OR MORE GOALS IN AUGUST AT 20/1
      DREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

      £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      ARMPIT AMBIGUITY
      Fifa have clarified where offsides will be measured from.
      And it is the bottom of the armpit. Right…
      CALL FOR HANDBALL
      One of the other major shifts is in regards to handballs.
      The Premier League say accidental handballs in the build-up to goals will no longer be punished – but are offences if they directly create the chance that scores or scores the goal itself.
      Refs get to make the call on whether a defender has made himself ‘unnaturally bigger’Credit: Sky Sports
      There is also a change to the wording around making the body ‘unnaturally bigger’.
      In its simplest form, there is no specific shape that would be classed as ‘unnatural’.
      This gives the referee greater scope to make a call based on the actual movemnet of the player and his body’s momentum.
      PENALTY PULL BACK
      A record 125 penalties were given in 2020-21 Premier League season but the adjustments to referee directives means that is likely to drop this term.
      It is not just about whether there is clear contact for a foul to be awarded, but whether the referee deems that contact to be enough to impede the attacker.
      Referees will have more of a say whether or not the contact in the box was enough for a penaltyCredit: AFP
      Riley said: “It’s not sufficient to just say there was contact. Contact on its own is only one element the referee should look for.
      “If you have clear contact that has a consequence, it’s a foul – but if you have any doubts in these elements, they are unlikely to be penalised.
      “You also want it to be a proper foul and not the slightest contact that someone has used to go over to get a penalty.”
      EARLY FLAG CATCHES FORWARD
      There is a bit more leniency for assistant referees with clear offsides.
      Rather than waiting for the passage of play to be over before eventually raising their flags, they can put it up earlier if there is no immediate goalscoring opportunity.
      This will no doubt be popular with the players, managers, fans, referees – well, just about everyone really.
      KANE CANED
      Harry Kane often gets criticism for backing into a jumping defender to win a free-kick or penalty – often knocking the airborne opponent off balance.
      This will now be recognised as dangerous play so the player doing the backing or nudging will be penalised.
      Harry Kane has forged a reputation for winning fouls by backing into jumping defendersCredit: AFP
      Riley added: “Again, it’s that interaction between the centre-forward and centre-half.
      “If either player is using their centre of gravity to knock somebody off theirs, that’s dangerous. And that free-kick should be the other way around.”
      SUBS STANDARDS
      Top-flight managers will again be able to name up to nine substitutes.
      However, they can only make three changes to their team mid-match.
      Two concussion replacements are also available.
      In the EFL, it is back down to seven named subs on the benches.
      QUALIFIED QUARTET
      Lastly, four new referees have been promoted to the Select Group 1 of officials who can take charge of Premier League matches.

      Australian Jarred Gillett becomes the first overseas ref added into the top squad.
      He is joined by Michael Salisbury, Tony Harrington and John Brooks in getting the call-up from the EFL.
      Lee Mason becomes the first dedicated VAR and will no longer be officiating on the pitch after 15 years in the top flight.
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
      Jarred Gillett from Australia is one of four new faces added to the Select Group 1 of refereesCredit: PA
      Bruno Fernandes caught moaning about referee for VAR delay in secret tunnel footage leaked from Man Utd’s final loss More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League’s new VAR rules designed to favour strikers… and would have allowed TWENTY offside goals last season

      by

      ATTACKERS will get the benefit of the doubt on VAR offsides this season.But Prem chiefs are clamping down on penalties being given for a slightest touch.
      Premier League attackers will get greater leniency for the tightest offside calls next seasonCredit: Getty
      Sadio Mane’s ruled-out Merseyside derby ‘winner’ would count as a goal next seasonCredit: BT Sport
      Teams have been told spot-kicks will no longer be awarded automatically for contact in the area.
      And Premier League bosses warned if players throw themselves to the ground it will count against them.
      Prem refereeing boss Mike Riley says officials have listened to the biggest complaints of players, managers and fans about the way they use technology in games.
      Now they want to return English football to a full-contact sport, while also ending the infuriating VAR decisions which rule a goal out because a player’s toe is offside.
      Riley said: “We spent a lot of time last season talking to the clubs, players, managers and to fans’ groups, looking at how we can improve refereeing within the context of Premier League football.
      “Some of the things are VAR-related, like marginal offsides, but fundamentally we want the approach to be one that best allows the players to express themselves — allows the Premier League game to flow.
      “It means that the refereeing team of referees and VARs don’t intervene for the trivial offences.”
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

      On offsides, the VAR is still using the thin one-pixel lines to determine the line of offside but will then add the thicker line used by broadcasters.
      If that line covers the thinner one, then the benefit of the doubt will be given to the attacking side — and Riley says that would have seen 20 goals that were disallowed last season stand under the new approach.
      PGMOL bosses concede officials have become too forensic in their use of the VAR, particularly when giving penalties which led to spot-kicks being awarded just because replays have shown even the slightest bit of contact.
      Anthony Martial won one of the most controversial penalties last season in the 9-0 thumping of SouthamptonCredit: Times Newspapers LtdDream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

      £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Scott Parker says the game is becoming sterile as VAR kills football More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      VAR who gave England penalty against Denmark back on duty for Euro 2020 final against Italy

      by

      THE VAR official who allowed England’s penalty against Denmark to be awarded is back on duty for the Euro 2020 final with Italy.The Three Lions advanced to their first major tournament final since 1966 after Harry Kane’s extra-time winner sealed a 2-1 win over the Danes.
      The VAR referee who upheld England’s penalty will be on duty for the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Alamy
      The Three Lions set up a Wembley showdown with Italy following Harry Kane’s reboundCredit: PA
      The England captain slotted home the rebound from close range after Kasper Schmeichel had initially saved his penalty.
      The spot-kick itself drew controversy over the amount of contact involved from Joakim Maehle that saw Raheem Sterling hit the deck.
      Yet VAR official Pol Van Boekel saw no reason to overturn Danny Makkelie’s on-field decision that England used to claim a historic win.
      And the Dutchman will also be involved on Sunday for the final against Italy to assist German ref Bastian Dankert with the technology.

      ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      UEFA did announce that Van Boekel’s compatriot Bjorn Kuipers will be the man in the middle for the Wembley showpiece event.
      Yet it will be the referee working on VAR who will be under scrutiny with reaction to the penalty decision heavily criticised across Europe.
      Top selling Italian sports paper Gazzetta Dello Sport hinted at a conspiracy theory over Sterling being awarded a spot-kick.
      They suggested England had been given help in return for Boris Johnson’s vocal opposition to the failed European Super League.

      Antonio Conte is also a columnist for the paper and taunted England by saying four-time world champs Italy ‘know what it means to play in a final’.
      Meanwhile, bitter Spanish TV presenters slammed Euro 2020 as ‘shameful’ and conditioned for England to win’ in a blazing meltdown.
      And one journalist even claimed Wembley should not have hosted any matches… due to Brexit.
      VAR official Pol Van Boekel did overturn Danny Makkelie’s on-field decision on WednesdayCredit: Getty
      England fans love Phil Foden’s passionate celebration after Harry Kane’s goal with midfielder almost crying with joy More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal icon Arsene Wenger baffled by England penalty and blasts VAR for ‘letting referee down’ in Euro 2020 semi-final

      by

      ARSENE WENGER has blasted VAR for ‘letting the referee down’ during England’s 2-1 win over Denmark last night.The Three Lions were awarded a penalty when Raheem Sterling went down in extra time with the score level at 1-1, with Harry Kane’s subsequent rebound proving to be the winner.
      Arsene Wenger explained his reasoning on beIN SportsCredit: beIN SPORTS
      Raheem Sterling went down under contactCredit: Alamy
      But Wenger, 71, felt that the contact on Sterling was too minimal to be a penalty.
      He said on beIN Sports: “No penalty.
      “And in a moment like that I believe that the VAR… I don’t understand why they don’t ask the referee to have a look at it and have a clear (look).
      “In a moment like that it’s important that the referee is absolutely convinced it’s a penalty.
      “It was not clear enough to say ‘yes it is’.
      “At least he should have had a look on the screen, I don’t know why the VAR didn’t ask him to go.”
      Host Richard Keys then asked if VAR had ‘let Denmark down’.
      To which Wenger replied: “I think that VAR has let the referee down.
      Denmark were furious with the decisionCredit: Getty
      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      “Not Denmark. Denmark is a bit unfortunate and I understand it’s difficult for the referee – but he must have a look at it.”
      The Danes were also furious at a laser beam being projected at Kasper Schmeichel’s eyes while the penalty was taken, with Uefa taking action against England.
      And a petition has even been started by angry fans to have the game REPLAYED.
      England will face Italy in Sunday’s final at Wembley, after the Azzurri dispatched Spain on penalties on Tuesday night.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Fuming Denmark striker Martin Braithwaite blasts England penalty decision More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool star Thiago reveals he hates ‘modern football’ and it’s lost ‘magic’ after changes made to the game

      by

      SPAIN international Thiago Alcantara has revealed he hates modern football and believes the game has lost it’s magic.The 30-year-old has slammed the introduction of VAR – claiming he’s always been against it – and believes the No10 position has ‘almost disappeared’.
      Liverpool and Spain star Thiago, 30, isn’t a fan of modern tactics or VARCredit: Getty
      When asked how football has changed since he made his Barcelona debut in 2009, he told The Guardian: “It’s taken up a different pace, rhythm: more accelerated, more physical.
      “The figure of the No10 has almost disappeared. We see less magic, less fantasy.
      “You lose that player who’s different, who ‘breathes’ – the playmaker who was slower even if he had sublime technique doesn’t get the opportunity to turn.
      “I have that ‘hate modern football’ mentality, I’m more classic in attitude.
      “And then there’s VAR, which I’ve always opposed. It removes the essence, the picaresque.
      “We make mistakes when we play, referees have to make mistakes too. Lots of mythical moments wouldn’t exist [with VAR].
      “And when you score, even a brilliant goal from the halfway line, you’re waiting. Thinking, ‘I hope there isn’t a foul in the buildup, I hope there’s no offside.'”
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: GET £10 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED

      Thiago’s opinion on VAR is unlikely to have improved since he moved to Liverpool in September 2020.
      The Premier League’s application of the system has been condemned by many in English football.
      The former Bayern Munich midfielder is yet to show the Prem what he’s capable of after a difficult first season at Anfield.

      Injury restricted Thiago to just 24 top flight appearances last term, although his form improved significantly during the run-in as Liverpool stormed to Champions League qualification.
      Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was forced to defend the playmaker’s performances in February following criticism from fans and pundits.
      Thaigo is part of Spain’s squad for Euro 2020 and played the final 25 minutes of his country’s 0-0 draw with Sweden.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Dietmar Hamann says he isn’t sure if Thiago’s the right fit at Liverpool More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Uefa chiefs discuss SCRAPPING away goals rule in Champions League and other competitions from start of next season

      by

      UEFA club supremos will discuss plans to axe the away goals rule tomorrow.SunSport revealed last month that Europe’s Club Competitions Committee was ready to change the much-criticised rule.
      The away goals rule in Uefa competition, which saw Spurs beat Man City in 2019, could be scrapped as early as next seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Andres Iniesta famously knocked Chelsea out of the 2009 Champions League semi-finals on away goalsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      But a proposal for away goals to count extra in the first 90 minutes of the second leg was parked.
      It was felt that stopping the advantage of away goals in extra-time would be too confusing.
      Instead, panel members will debate scrapping the rule, originally introduced in the 1965-66 season.
      Uefa is understood to be ‘neutral’ over the proposal, which must be approved by the ruling executive committee.
      If club chiefs agree, it could end for 2021-22 European competitions.

      FIFA has opened the door for ex-players to be in the VAR room.
      At the moment only current and recently retired referees — in the last three years — are allowed roles in the video booth.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Former stars could be allowed into the VAR room to offer a player’s perspective on decisionsCredit: EPA

      But Fifa president Gianni Infantino suggested the rules could change.
      Infantino said: “The real problem isn’t VAR but how it is applied and used. You can’t blame VAR if it’s not applied properly.
      “It’s only been with us since 2018 and we can improve a few things.
      “We will have to think about not having referees but specific VAR experts who can be responsible.”
      That suggests former stars could be brought into the process to offer a player’s perspective on what should and should not be penalised.
      Fifa has taken control of VAR from the International FA Board and is pushing for ‘semi-automatic’ offside calls using skeletal modelling — with decisions signalled to the ref and his assistants within seconds — for the 2022 World Cup finals.
      And Infantino is also a supporter of the ‘daylight’ offside law proposed by Arsene Wenger.
      He said: “We’re testing a possible new offside rule.
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      “VAR has created an unexpected situation.
      “Before VAR, referees were told to give the doubt to the attacker — but with VAR there are no doubts any more.
      “We shouldn’t cancel a goal just because the nose is offside — but that’s the rule. So you have to see if you need to change the rule.”
      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks
      Man City vs Chelsea FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Champions League Final More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League final table without VAR revealed with Arsenal in FOURTH and beating Chelsea to Champions League spot

      by

      ARSENAL would have finished FOURTH without VAR this season.A SunSport study of all the decisions overturned by Stockley Park show the Gunners were the biggest “sufferers” from the system.

      If all on-field original decisions had stuck, Mikel Arteta’s men would have earned four more points.
      That would have been enough to take them above Spurs, West Ham AND Chelsea and steal the final Champions League spot.
      Instead, Arsenal finished eighth and OUT of Europe for the first time since 1995-96.
      According to SunSport’s statistics, the final table would have shown a number of differences if VAR was not in operation.
      Liverpool, five points adrift of Manchester United in the actual table, would have swapped places with the Old Trafford side to take second, although still 13 points behind champions Manchester City.
      And West Ham, thrilled by the prospect of Europa League football, would have finished OUTSIDE the European spots on goal difference behind Spurs.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      In total, there were 119 decisions changed over the course of the season, with 39 goals allowed, 28 penalties awarded and 22 spot-kicks waived.
      There was also 17 red cards awarded after VAR intervention.
      Arsenal’s “net score” of minus-six on total VAR overrules – with three decisions changed in their favour and nine against – contributed to a loss of four points over the entire campaign.
      With those points, Arteta’s side would have edged out Chelsea for fourth on goals scored by a single strike, with both having a goal difference of plus-20.
      Liverpool, who had a league-leading 12 overrules against them, compared to just six in their favour, lost three points.
      Manchester United enjoyed the most fortune from Stockley Park, with 11 changes in their favour and eight decisions changed against them, giving them three points more than they would have had without VAR.
      Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal dropped down the table thanks to VAR decisionsCredit: Reuters

      Burnley, who had five calls in their favour and none against, were the biggest beneficiaries in terms of net decisions, although it would have no impact on their 17th-placed finish.
      Aston Villa, who survived last season because of that astonishing goalline technology blunder in the first match of Project Restart, would have leapfrogged Everton to earn a top-half finish without VAR, with Brighton up from 16th to 14th.
      And while the bottom three would, unsurprisingly, have still been relegated, West Brom would have finished a place and a point ahead of Fulham, rather than one behind.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      Mark Halsey says VAR needs to improve after ref Mike Dean receives death threats after West Ham game More