Arsenal host Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday and a new VAR system will be in place at the Emirates Stadium in an attempt to increase transparency
Arsenal have released a statement to their fans to explain the VAR trial which will be in place for both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle.
The Gunners host Newcastle in the first leg on Tuesday before travelling to St James’ Park to face Eddie Howe’s side once again on February 5. The fixtures come during an extremely busy period for Arsenal, who are competing on four fronts, with their Premier League and Champions League commitments added to by the third round of the FA Cup.
The Newcastle matches come with an unusual twist, with the PGMOL and EFL trying out a new feature of the VAR system. The referee in the game – and the other semi-final between Tottenham and Liverpool – will announce the outcome of VAR decisions to the crowd in an attempt to increase transparency.
Arsenal said in a statement to their supporters: “The two matches against the Magpies will see the use of the video assistant referee for the first time during our run in this season’s competition, which is the usual policy for cup semi-finals and finals where all the two teams already have the technology in place for Premier League matches.
“However, there will be a twist starting with our home leg at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, January 7 as the EFL are trialling a new system of allowing the officials to explain their decisions over the stadium’s PA system.
“Referees will announce the final decision following a visit to the pitchside monitor, or upon the conclusion of factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements. Only the final decision will be announced in the stadium, not the full conversation between the on-field referee and VAR.”
Explaining the decision, the EFL’s statement added: “In-stadium VAR announcements have already been successfully introduced in several FIFA events, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and aim to provide greater clarity and understanding around key decisions to supporters in the stadiums and those watching from home.
“The new pilot forms part of PGMOL’s broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of Match Officials and fans. This latest pilot has the support of the EFL and follows earlier collaboration with PGMOL in 2018 to trial VAR in EFL competitions ahead of its introduction in the Premier League.”
VAR was first introduced in 2019 and has been marred by controversy after controversy over the past five years. PGMOL chief Howard Webb remains determined to improve the system and it is felt that announcements will improve the transparency of decision-making.
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more
