-Credit:Liverpool FC via Getty Images
As Liverpool takes on Spurs in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup — 24 hours after Arsenal faces Newcastle — there will be a new VAR trial undertaken which hopes to improve the experience for those inside the stadium.
After some VAR checks, should they happen during the two matches, the on-field referee will announce to the stadium what the decision is to give clarity to those in the stands. No specific formula for what the official will say has been laid out, but it will be a short explanation of what was checked, what the outcome is, and who the offender was.
The referee — Stuart Attwell in the case of Tottenham vs Liverpool — will announce final decisions after they have been advised to go to the pitchside monitor by the VAR, or upon the conclusion of factual matters checked by the VAR without an on-field review. That could include incidents such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offsides.
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The idea is that there will be more transparency and clarity immediately after major decisions, as well as improving the matchday experience. One big drawback of VAR since it was brought in was that it is much better set up for those watching on TV than those who have paid big money for tickets.
If the VAR sticks with an on-field decision — for example, if a penalty is awarded in real time and that stands — there will be no announcement because it should already be clear what the offense was. However, there will be an announcement if the referee sticks with a decision after being advised to check it on the monitor.
Stuart Attwell goes to the VAR monitor during a Premier League game. -Credit:Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
The interaction between the referee and the VAR — Paul Tierney for Spurs vs Liverpool — will not be broadcast because this is currently forbidden by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) which sets the game’s laws at the global level. PGMOL chief Howard Webb has previously stated that if allowed to, he would consider allowing fans to hear that in real time too.
A similar trial was held at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Other associations and leagues have now been offered the opportunity to trial something similar, with the Australian A-League and Portugal’s Primeira Liga among those to do so.
Liverpool.com says: This definitely sounds like a good idea. Anything that can improve the matchday experience for fans regarding VAR should definitely be tested out. If it works, we could see it transfer across to the Premier League.