Video assistant referee causes controversy every week in the Premier League, but also in the UEFA Champions League. So, how are decisions made and are they correct? This season, we take a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.
Andy Davies (@andydaviesref) is a former Select Group referee, with over 12 seasons on the elite list, working across the Premier League and Championship. With extensive experience at the elite level, he has operated within the VAR space in the Premier League and offers a unique insight into the processes, rationale and protocols that are delivered on a Premier League matchday.
Atlético Madrid 1-1 Arsenal
Referee: Danny Makkelie VAR: Dennis Higler Time: 37 minutes Incident: Penalty awarded to Arsenal
What happened: As Arsenal attacker Viktor Gyökeres neatly received the ball in the Atlético penalty area, defender Dávid Hancko appeared to clatter into the back of the Arsenal player. With Gyökeres on the ground, referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot, awarding Arsenal a penalty for a careless foul challenge.
VAR decision: VAR did not require too many looks at this challenge and quickly cleared the on-field decision as correct.
Verdict / Insight: Yes, this was a correct on-field decision and non-intervention from VAR. The challenge by Hancko was clumsy and unwise. Gyökeres' clever body position left the Atlético defender with no opportunity to play the ball, and this was a poor judgment by the Atlético player.
ARSENAL STRIKE FIRST ⚡️ Viktor Gyökeres clinical from the spot to put the English side in front 💥 pic.twitter.com/IBVZRLgvQC
Time: 55 minutes Incident: Penalty awarded to Atlético Madrid following a handball offense by Arsenal defender Ben White.
What happened: A shot on goal by Atlético Madrid's Marcos Llorente struck the arm of Arsenal's Ben White. However, a deflection off the shin of the defender before the ball struck his arm created a level of debate. The on-field referee eventually awarded a penalty following a visit to the VAR screen.
VAR decision: Another relatively quick review by VAR in this event, and on this occasion, he felt there was a clear error in a penalty not being awarded on the field. VAR Higler felt that White's arm was in an unnatural position relative to his body movement, and regardless of the deflection off the defender's shin, which was negligible, he felt this met the criteria for a handball offense. Having viewed the replays for himself, Makkelie agreed with the VAR interpretation and gave Atlético Madrid a penalty.