It was the Gameweek 4 of the English Premier League this weekend and this means the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has once again caused ruckus and debate on whether the system is serving the game fairly.
From Brentford’s stoppage-time equaliser against Chelsea to Tottenham’s disallowed strike at West Ham, and Wolves escaping a potential red card at Newcastle, the technology has left fans divided.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest incidents and how the decisions were reached.
Brentford 2–2 Chelsea: Carvalho’s Equaliser Splits Opinion
Incident: Possible offside – Ouattara on Carvalho goal
Brentford rescued a late point in the 93rd minute when Fábio Carvalho converted after Kristoffer Ajer’s flick-on from a long throw.
VAR official James Bell checked for offside against Dango Ouattara, who was ahead of Reece James when Ajer touched the ball.
Decision: Goal stands.
VAR Review: Ouattara stuck out a leg but didn’t touch the ball. Laws state a player is offside if they “clearly attempt to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent.”
The on-field officials decided Ouattara did not affect James’ play, so the goal was allowed.
A call that could have gone either way. “Both outcomes are justifiable, so leaving this with the on-field call is fine,” the review noted.
West Ham 0–3 Tottenham: Romero’s Disallowed Goal
Incident: Possible foul – Van de Ven on Walker-Peters
Cristian Romero’s powerful header looked to give Spurs an early lead, but referee Jarred Gillett immediately blew for a foul, ruling Micky van de Ven had pushed Kyle Walker-Peters.
VAR upheld the decision.
Decision: No goal.
VAR Review: Although Van de Ven placed his hands on Walker-Peters, the contact was triggered by Mateus Fernandes barging into Van de Ven.
Many argued the Spurs man was an “innocent bystander.”
West Ham vs. Tottenham: Soucek Sees Red
Incident: Foul by Soucek on Palhinha
In the 54th minute, Tomáš Soucek saw red for a high, studs-up challenge on João Palhinha.
Decision: Red card stands.
VAR Review: Soucek’s straight-leg tackle caught Palhinha on the shin, ripping his sock. Officials deemed the force excessive and dangerous.
Newcastle 1–0 Wolves: Barnes Foul Controversy
Incident: Possible DOGSO – Mosquera on Barnes
Harvey Barnes raced through on goal before being brought down by Yerson Mosquera. Referee Chris Kavanagh waved play on, with VAR Tim Wood reviewing for denial of a goal-scoring opportunity.
Decision: No red card.
VAR Review: Mosquera led with his arm into Barnes’ head and diverted the ball with his chest. Officials judged Barnes wasn’t fully in control of the ball.
The review argued Barnes “would have taken control of the ball and had an obvious goal-scoring opportunity,” suggesting a red card and free kick should have been awarded.
Burnley 0–1 Liverpool: Red Card and Handball
Incident 1: Possible red card – Ugochukwu on Mac Allister
Lesley Ugochukwu escaped with a yellow for a reckless tackle. VAR agreed contact was low and force limited.
Incident 2: Handball penalty – Hannibal on Frimpong
Liverpool won a stoppage-time penalty when Hannibal Mejbri blocked a cross with his raised arm.
Decision: Penalty stands, converted by Mo Salah.
Encroachment from Jeremie Frimpong was also checked but no retake was ordered due to law changes requiring only material impact for VAR to intervene.
Bournemouth 2–1 Brighton: Soft Penalty Stays
Incident: Possible penalty – Van Hecke on Evanilson
Referee Peter Bankes awarded Bournemouth a spot-kick after Jan Paul van Hecke clipped Evanilson.
Decision: Penalty stands.
