RELEASED VAR AUDIO OF DISALLOWED WEST HAM GOAL SUMS UP CRITICISM OF ARSENAL

The Gunners survived a nervy VAR review that could have decided the fate of the Premier League title race

The entire season could be decided by one VAR call. | Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Referees’ chief Howard Webb has insisted the VAR was right to rule out West Ham United’s late equalizer against Arsenal after a lengthy review which also featured checks on a number of other incidents.

Callum Wilson fired home in the fifth minute of stoppage time and looked to have sealed a 1–1 draw for the Hammers—a result that would have given Manchester City a route back into the title race—only for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya by West Ham’s Pablo to be detected after a five-minute review.

“Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically yes,” Webb told Match Officials Mic’d Up.

“We’ve said all season that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent grabbing or holding their arms and therefore they can’t do their job, they’ll be penalized. We’re not just talking about contact with goalkeepers, we’re talking about a specific type of contact when the goalkeeper’s arms or hands are being interfered with, stopping them doing their job.

“So when you see the best angle on this, you’ll see that that’s what happens from Pablo. And on the video, it’s clear and it’s obvious, and it happens early. And even though it’s not clear and obvious to the referee, because he’s got a huge group of players in a penalty area, and it’s difficult to see, when the VAR sees this, of course, they have to get involved.”

VAR Audio Highlights Regular Issue for Arsenal

The VAR review revealed a handful of other concerns. | Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

For rival fans, the sight of Arsenal benefiting from such a decision was a real source of frustration, with the Gunners well-known to be willing to push the boundaries of physical contact when it comes to their own set-pieces.

That was evident even in the incident involving Raya. Pablo, guilty of fouling the Arsenal goalkeeper, is simultaneously being held by Leandro Trossard, while Declan Rice’s decision to grab Hammers defender Konstantinos Mavropanos also needed reviewing by VAR.

VAR Transcript From Crucial Incident

VAR: It’s literally just a possible foul on Raya, what I’m seeing in terms of that.

AVAR: And to make sure he doesn’t have it in his hand.

VAR: For me, there is a foul, potential foul, with the arm. His hand is holding his arm down. That’s impactful, for me. The left arm is holding, is across the body. He’s across the head and he’s holding the left arm of Raya, which impedes his ability to get to the ball properly.

VAR: It doesn’t look that impactful from [an alternative] angle.

AVAR: You’ve got that [Rice on Mavropanos] straight behind him as well, look.

VAR: Yeah. But this happens before. Is it impactful on the goalkeeper that? Go back to the second angle you showed me. Give us a split screen.

AVAR: I don’t like Trossard not facing the ball. I agree, it’s impactful. It’s just everything else that’s going on as well. Let’s say we’re saying that’s a foul, then what are we saying about Trossard’s actions on the same player? What are we saying about Declan Rice behind?

VAR: He still gets a hand to the ball, doesn’t he? When he’s getting to the ball. I think, for me, we send [the referee] for an on-field review to look at the possible foul on the goalkeeper, and then we get him to look at the other incidents as well. I think that’s the best decision in terms of this.

VAR: Chris [Kavanagh, referee], I’m going to recommend an on-field review for a possible foul on the goalkeeper, but there are some other incidents to look at while you’re at the monitor as well.

VAR: The left arm of Pablo comes across Raya and holds on to the left arm of Raya as he goes to win the ball.

REF: I can see the clear holding on him across.

VAR: But then I’m just going to show you some other angles on that incident, of players.

AVAR: You’ve got Declan Rice and you’ve got Trossard.

REF: I don’t know what you’re trying to show me mate, give me a clue.

VAR: Trossard on Pablo. Just if you look at Trossard on Pablo ... give me a better angle on that.

REF: I don’t think there’s much in that at all, I’m happy with that. That’s nothing.

VAR: O.K., and then if you just want to consider the actions of Declan Rice on Mavropanos at the back. But the foul happens on the goalkeeper before.

REF: Before it, so ... after review, West Ham number?

VAR: 19.

REF: 19. Foul. Just confirm his number again for me?

VAR: 19. Confirmed.

Declan Rice’s actions were also under review. | Marc Atkins/Getty Images

“When they’re trying to identify what should be penalized, they’re looking for situations that are impactful,” Webb continued. “They’re looking for mainly those situations which prevent the player from doing their job, moving, and particularly when that impacts their ability to play the ball.

“A key player in this moment, of course, is the goalkeeper, who has got a unique ability to use his hands. And in what we see in this situation, different to the other situations around the penalty area, is that the goalkeeper can’t do that job because of that very clear action by the attacker, preventing him from putting his arm up.

“There are other pieces of contact from other players, from Arsenal players too, but the most significant contact undoubtedly is that on the goalkeeper. [It] stops him from doing something pretty routine, catching the ball. The arm is across the neck, it’s on his arm. He can’t put his arms up, and we’ve said that we’ll penalize that. And we’ve been consistent in that particular aspect.”

Physicality to Be Reviewed After Season

Howard Webb promised a review of the issue. | Charles McQuillan/FIFA/Getty Images

Arsenal are by no means the only culprits of excessive physicality. The issue is accepted to spread wide across the Premier League, with Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler recently enlisting the help of a Mixed Martial Arts fighter to help navigate the penalty-box duels.

Webb confirmed further conversations would be had at the end of the season to address policing of these issues in the future.

“We consult all the time with the clubs, with the fan groups, with a range of other stakeholders about the type of game that they want to see and how they want us to officiate it,” Webb concluded.

“This season’s been a little bit more unique than previous ones about the number of contacts in the penalty area, and it does create a challenge for the officials.

“We’ll certainly continue consulting with all of the people I mentioned earlier about the type of game they want to see, because we have seen more involvement from set-piece coaches bringing players together in these areas, looking for those marginal gains. But we need to be vigilant. We need to identify those clear actions that are impactful.

“We’ve penalized more holding penalties than we did last year, but we’ve missed some as well.”

- Tom Gott

GUARDIOLA RAISES VAR CONCERN FOLLOWING NEWCASTLE SEMI-FINAL VICTORY

Antoine Semenyo scored again as City beat Newcastle 2-0 but he was denied a second after Erling Haaland was controversially ruled offside

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed profound frustration over VAR inconsistencies, despite his side securing a 2-0 victory against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St James’ Park.

The win was overshadowed by a controversial disallowed goal, which reignited the debate surrounding video assistant referee decisions.

City established their lead at St James’ Park, with Antoine Semenyo scoring his second goal in as many games, followed by Rayan Cherki sealing the win late on.

However, the visitors saw a second Semenyo goal controversially chalked off in the second half. The strike, which came from a corner, was disallowed after a lengthy VAR review deemed Erling Haaland to be offside and impeding defender Malick Thiaw.

Guardiola did not hold back his criticism post-match, drawing comparisons to previous incidents during City’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at the same venue in November. When questioned about receiving an explanation for the decision, Guardiola retorted: "It’s a good question. I say now I’d like to know why VAR in the 60th minute of the Premier League game against Newcastle – that we lost 2-1 – it was 0-0 and it was a penalty for (Fabian) Schar on Phil Foden, not even (giving it any) consideration."

He continued, highlighting another unaddressed incident: "In the 20th minute there is an unbelievable penalty for the shot for Jeremy Doku off the hand, and not even VAR."

The City boss expressed bewilderment at the disparity in VAR application. "Today, four people were not able to decide because the line was, I don’t know, but the second goal Newcastle scored the line was perfect," he said, adding, "I’m not suspicious of that in 10 years. I didn’t say anything when we lost 2-1 here. I didn’t say anything in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, it is a red card after 30 or 40 minutes for (Dean) Henderson. OK, it’s fine, but the fact we didn’t say… I’m pretty sure Howard Webb (technical director for Professional Game Match Officials) is going to call me tomorrow to take explanations for that."

Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma complains to the referee during November’s Premier League match at St James’ Park (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Guardiola emphasised that his frustration stemmed from a broader issue of consistency, not just results. "When you play semi-finals or finals and win 0-1, 0-0, 0-2, 1-1, because after 0-1 with five minutes they can equalise and after that it’s more difficult. I’m zero suspicious. In 10 years when we lost semi-finals in big competitions, in the league here, I didn’t say anything. On the touchline sometimes. But come on, in the same stadium, what happened? VAR’s intervened, ‘take a look, take a look’ – in the 60th minute, 20th minute, take a look at the two penalties."

Reuters

He concluded his impassioned critique by stating: "To come here in the Premier League and win, 0-1 or 0-2 advantage is a big difference for us. I don’t give any credit to Newcastle. I can say they won deservedly the game in the Premier League but why didn’t (VAR) intervene in these two (incidents)? Today was more than six minutes (reviewing) and we’re not even able to discuss it with the referee. But they will call me."

Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe acknowledged the significant challenge awaiting his team in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium in February. "I think it is probably our biggest challenge, our biggest test of everything really, our belief levels, our ability, our ability to score goals and defend," he stated. "We’re going to have to defend well in that game, otherwise we’ve got no chance." Howe indicated that the focus for now would be on their upcoming fixtures. "I think that’s for another day. I think the beauty of the distance between the two legs means you can just put it away and forget about it. We’ve got so many big games to come before the second leg."

- Rebecca Johnson

PREM REF CHIEF WEB ADMITS VAR ERROR BEFORE TEN HAG SACKING

Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer of the Premier League, admitted that West Ham United were wrongly awarded a penalty through VAR which gave them a 2-1 win at home to Manchester United that resulted in the firing of manager Erik ten Hag.

The Premier League game on Oct. 27 was locked at 1-1 in the 89th minute when Matthijs de Ligt clashed with Danny Ings inside the penalty area. Referee David Coote played on, but was sent to the pitchside monitor by the VAR, Michael Oliver, to award a spot kick. Jarrod Bowen dispatched the penalty to give the Hammers victory.

Ten Hag, who had been under immense pressure with United suffering their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, was fired the following morning. Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim was appointed as his replacement and started in the role this week.

Speaking on the Match Officials Mic'd Up show, Webb admitted that the incident did not reach the high bar for a VAR intervention.

"I thought it was a misread by the VAR, a VAR that's normally really talented and reliable, but gets uber-focused in this situation on De Ligt's leg," Webb said. "His [De Ligt's] leg coming through on to Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball's already past De Ligt as he as he makes contact with Danny Ings.

"And the VAR sees that as a clear foul. I think he was too focused on that aspect. I don't think he should have got involved. I think this is a situation where we'd leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it's called. On balance, I don't think it's a penalty kick. I would prefer no foul being given, no penalty."

Webb also backed the decision for the VAR to advise a red card to Arsenal's William Saliba against AFC Bournemouth for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO).

Former Man United manager Erik ten Hag argues a penalty call in his final game as coach against West Ham. Getty Images

"I think that the offence committed by William Saliba in this situation did deny Evanilson an obvious goal-scoring opportunity," Webb explained. "I think the yellow card that was issued by Rob Jones on the field was clearly and obviously wrong.

"It's a poor pass back by Leandro Trossard that puts Evanilson in and then Saliba grabs him. So suddenly from Arsenal having possession, the referees are faced with having to make a decision very quickly. Sometimes with DOGSO you have time to prepare your mind for what's going happen.

"Initially they believe that Ben White was closer than he actually was. And they also weren't convinced that Evanilson would control the ball.

"There's two things that VAR can do here to prove that the on-field decision was wrong. Firstly, you can see that Ben White is a long way away. He's not going to get to Evanlison from that position. And then secondly, they can see that David Raya is backing off and when the ball dies in front of Evanilson, even though it's some distance from goal, he's going to get on to that ball. He's going to have time to gain nice control just for the goalkeeper to beat.

"So, for me, a good intervention by the VAR, a clear and obvious error in not showing a red card on the field."

So far this season the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel, which assesses all matches, had identified only three VAR errors -- the other two being AFC Bournemouth's late "winner" at home to Newcastle United which was incorrectly disallowed for handball, and the missed intervention when Bruno Fernandes' red card should have been rescinded in Man United's home game against Tottenham Hotspur. At the same stage last season, 13 mistakes had been recorded.

This campaign has also seen five on-field errors which didn't reach the threshold for VAR intervention, two incorrect second yellow cards, and one missed second caution.

- Dale Johnson, General Editor, ESPN FC

VAR AUDIO RELEASED FOR BRUNO FERNANDES RED CARD VS. TOTTENHAM

 PGMOL chief Howard Webb has admitted that VAR made an error by failing to immediately overturn the red card issued to Bruno Fernandes during Manchester United’s recent 3-0 loss to Tottenham in the Premier League. The United captain was shown a straight red by referee Chris Kavanagh at Old Trafford for a challenge on James Maddison on September 29. United were trailing by just one goal at the time and pushing for an equaliser.

In a bid to win back possession near the centre circle, the 30-year-old lunged at Maddison but slipped, catching the Tottenham player's shin and sending him to the ground in a theatrical fashion. With assistance from VAR, the referee wasted no time in showing Fernandes a red card. It turned out to be a decisive moment, as the Red Devils' efforts to stage a comeback were upended.

VAR audio from the incident has now been released. Although review panels have since criticised the decision - with the midfielder's suspension being overturned following the club's appeal to the FA despite the Premier League initially releasing a statement to back the referee's decision - conversations between the match officials reveal how they reached their incorrect conclusion.

The Audio in Question

The assistant referee acted at once to call the challenge a '100% red card'

On the latest episode of Match Officials Mic'd Up, a series of controversial incidents were brought back to the fore, with audio for each case being revealed for the first time. During Man United's match against Tottenham, footage released shows Kavanagh's assistant referee telling him: "That's awful for me, that's 100% a red card."

After VAR reviewed the decision to brandish a red card, they proved surplus to requirements in stepping in and overturning the on-field judgement. Peter Bankes can be heard saying:

"It's not studs. It's shin height. It's a deliberate act and made no attempt to play the ball. The angle doesn't show it's with studs. There is a slip but I think ref's call."

Howard Webb Gives Verdict

PGMOL chief says the decision not to overturn was a mistake.

A former referee of 12 years and over 300 Premier League games, Webb was adamant that VAR should have gone against Kavanagh's initial call, stating: "It was [a mistake]. We hear on the audio that the assistant said it was a red card offence and the referee takes that advice.

"The contact is high, but Fernandes slips first. It's not an attempt on the ball, but from the assistants' view, it looks like studs go in - but it's a slight error. There's no driving the foot into the opponent, it's more of a tripping action. VAR should have sent the referee to the screen."

The controversy surrounding the incident eventually allowed Fernandes to win his appeal, avoiding suspension and enabling him to play in United's next two matches - against Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League. However, the Portuguese international wasn't able to manage to stay out of trouble for long. In the midweek fixture, he was once again shown a red card, resulting in an upcoming suspension for European competition.

- Robin Mumford

DECLAN RICE RED CARD: ARSENAL - BRIGHTON AUDIO SHOWS REF ANGST

Premier League referee Chris Kavanagh conceded he "didn't like" showing Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice a red card for kicking the ball away during the draw against Brighton last month, but had no choice.

The audio of the incident was released on Tuesday in the first episode of the Premier League's "Match Officials Mic'd Up" in which former referee Howard Webb joined former England striker Michael Owen to discuss five on-field decisions.

In it, Kavanagh is heard talking to his assistants via his microphone, saying "I don't like it, but he's knocked the ball."

Rice, who had already been booked, tapped the ball away from Joël Veltman to delay the taking of a free-kick. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta afterwards said he was "amazed" that the England midfielder had been shown a second yellow card.

Kavanagh was clearly uncomfortable with the decision he had to make, but said he was put in a difficult situation.

"Second yellow, for me. I had no choice, he knocks the ball away. As [Veltman's] about to kick it, he knocks the ball," he is heard to say. "I have no choice. He's put me in an awful position. Dec, you need to go I'm afraid."

The Premier League hope the show will help fans understand the processes involved in decision-making by on-field and VAR officials, following intense criticism last season.

Webb, who is the chief operating officer of referees' body the PGMOL, agreed that Kavanagh was correct to send off Rice.

"We've messaged very clearly and strongly to the players in pre-season around the importance of not getting involved with the ball once the whistle is gone, not delaying the restart in that way," Webb said.

"Once he's seen Declan Rice deliberately, clearly kick that ball away from the position of that free-kick, then I don't think he's got any choice."

Arteta was also annoyed that Brighton forward Joao Pedro had escaped a yellow card for delaying the restart in the first half, and Webb conceded he should have been booked.

"Of course, he [Pedro] should have been cautioned here," Webb admitted. "The officials on the field gave him too much benefit of doubt, feeling that the actions weren't really impactful because they felt that the Arsenal players were not ready to take that throw-in."

Among the other incidents discussed was a penalty that was awarded to Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin against Brighton by referee Simon Hooper but overturned after VAR invited the referee to review the incident.

Footage showed Calvert-Lewin had actually trodden on the foot of a Brighton defender Lewis Dunk, not the other way round.

"Sometimes the referee's call will be clearly and obviously wrong and in this case it was," Webb said.

"So that's a good example of a situation where the referee's call was wrong and it needed intervention by the VAR."

Webb did admit that VAR Tim Robinson was wrong to disallowed Dango Ouattara's stoppage time winner for AFC Bournemouth against Newcastle United for handball.

"In this situation, the ball strikes Ouattara's shoulder, upper-arm area." Webb explained. "It's hard to be totally conclusive as to exactly where. I don't think that's conclusive enough to intervene."

Information from ESPN's Dale Johnson contributed to this report.

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MANCHESTER UNITED MEME | HOWARD WEBB