Each week, video assistant referees (VAR) generate debate in British football—how are calls made, and are they really accurate?
On Sunday, the Community Shield match at Wembley saw Crystal Palace and Liverpool clash, reigniting these discussions.
The match concluded with a draw of 2-2, but Palace triumphed in the penalty shootout, winning 3-2.
Controversial Penalty: Handball by Mac Allister
Incident: In the 79th minute, a ball was played into the Liverpool box. Alexis Mac Allister attempted to intercept it but missed, resulting in the ball striking his raised arm and preventing it from reaching Ismaila Saar. Referee Chris Kabana dismissed the penalty claim, which was reviewed by VAR official Paul Tierney.
Outcome: No penalty was awarded.
VAR Review: Handball regulations have been contentious in recent seasons, but they have seen a more lenient application in the UK. Last season, only nine penalties were granted in the Premier League for handball, compared to higher figures in other top European leagues—16 in the Bundesliga and 28 in La Liga. In League One, handball penalties were more common.
In the UK, VAR only intervenes if the player’s arms are fully extended from their body or if there is a deliberate intent. An arm that inadvertently touches the ball or is in a natural position is less likely to be penalized.
Moreover, the player’s body position during a play drastically influences these decisions. For instance, if Mac Allister’s arm had been in front of him while tracking the ball, there would have been a stronger argument for a penalty. His arm being raised behind his body, coupled with the ball hitting it by chance, diminishes the likelihood of a foul.
There were similar incidents last season, such as during a game between Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers. In one example, Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross unintentionally hit Jorgen Strand Larsen’s arm, which was also ruled out for being accidental.
In another instance, a free kick in the 75th minute led to the ball accidentally striking a Forest player’s arm. Again, the call was deemed incidental due to the ball hitting from behind.
The debate remains regarding Mac Allister’s intentions. Did he elevate his arm to intercept the ball, or was his arm naturally positioned based on his movement?
VAR decisions are often inconsistent in the UK, but it’s possible a penalty could have been awarded had the referee opted for one on the field.
Fan Take: The ongoing VAR debates highlight a crucial aspect of the game: the rules can significantly impact outcomes. For soccer fans, the precision of officiating is vital, and inconsistencies can lead to frustration, ultimately shaping the integrity of competitions.
