There have been 13 video assistant referee (VAR) mistakes in the English Premier League (EPL) so far this season – down from 20 at the same point last term – said the league bosses.
Four incorrect VAR interventions and nine missed interventions from the first 23 rounds of games have been found by the competition’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel. There have been 70 VAR interventions in 239 league games this season – around one every three matches.
BBC Sports reports that the accuracy of ‘Key Match Incidents’ is at 96.4% – up from 95.7% at the corresponding point last term.
“Nobody here underestimates the significance and the impact of one single error,” chief football officer Tony Scholes said.
“We know that one single error can cost clubs. Points and results can cost managers positions, potentially players their place.”
In Erik ten Hag’s case, that was literally what happened – one of the four mistakes was the penalty given against his Manchester United side in what proved to be his final match in charge.
Referees have also been subject to abuse, with police recently investigating “threats and abuse” directed at Michael Oliver following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves in January.
Oliver controversially sent off Gunners defender Myles Lewis-Skelly – a decision that was later reversed on appeal.
Former referee David Coote was sacked by the referees’ body in December after a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.
Asked about trust in officials, Scholes said: “We all have a responsibility to have some balance in the comments that are made.
“We cannot have the officials, such a key part of a successful and entertaining league, facing the kind of abuse that occurs on occasion.
“These guys are good. I know that is not always the perception, but the rest of the world recognizes how good they are.”
The Premier League declined to list the nine missed interventions – and whether that include the Lewis-Skelly red card. It did outline the four errors to the media.
