Premier League VAR Errors Rise Amid Mixed Reactions
Video assistant referee (VAR) errors in the Premier League have increased during the first half of the current season, sparking discussion among fans, pundits, and clubs alike. Data compiled by BBC Sport, sourced from the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel, reveals a 30% rise in VAR-related mistakes compared to the same period last season, with errors climbing from 10 to 13.
Despite the rise, this season still shows an overall improvement when compared to previous years. For context, 20 mistakes were recorded at this stage in the 2023-24 campaign, and 23 in 2022-23. Most of this season’s errors are classified as “missed interventions,” where the VAR failed to advise the on-field referee to change a decision. These rose from seven to eleven, while incorrect interventions—where VAR advised a correction that was ultimately wrong—fell slightly from three to two.
Interestingly, the total number of VAR overturns has also decreased, dropping from 57 in 2024-25 to 47 this season, a reduction of 17.54%. Meanwhile, the KMI Panel also tracks on-field referee mistakes that do not meet the clear and obvious threshold for VAR intervention. These “minor” errors have risen from 12 to 15, reflecting the fine margins in officiating and the difficulty of maintaining perfection across 380 Premier League matches.
How the KMI Panel Operates
The Key Match Incidents Panel is tasked with reviewing every decision in Premier League matches, including goals, penalties, red cards, and second yellow card incidents. The panel consists of five members: three former players or coaches, one Premier League representative, and one representative from the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO). Established in 2022, the KMI Panel was created by Premier League clubs to provide independent statistical analysis of refereeing performance, separate from the governing refereeing body.
The panel does not operate in the same way as fans or managers. Decisions are judged against the laws of the game and the Premier League’s expectations of refereeing standards. The panel evaluates the decisions of both the on-field officials and the VAR team, noting that VAR operates with a “clear and obvious” threshold. This means that there are occasions where the referee might make a wrong call, but the VAR team is correct in not intervening, as the error does not meet the required threshold for correction.
Notable VAR Errors This Season
Several high-profile incidents highlight the challenges of VAR decision-making and the scrutiny referees face.
1. Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth: Marcos Senesi Red Card Controversy
During Liverpool’s win over Bournemouth, Marcos Senesi appeared to commit a handball after inadvertently striking the ball with his arm, then deliberately batting it away from Hugo Ekitike, who was on a potential goal-scoring run. The referee did not issue a card, believing the initial contact to be accidental, and VAR official Michael Oliver focused only on the first touch.
The KMI Panel determined that Senesi’s secondary action—moving his arm deliberately to block the ball—constituted a handball and deprived a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Panel votes were split 4-1 in favor of a red card. While the incident highlighted VAR’s limitations in identifying nuanced, split-second actions, it also sparked debate over whether referees are given too much latitude when reviewing fast-paced situations.
2. Chelsea 2-0 Fulham: Josh King Goal Disallowed
In a match between Chelsea and Fulham, Fulham’s Josh King scored a legitimate goal in the 21st minute, giving his side a temporary lead. However, the goal was overturned by VAR due to alleged interference by Rodrigo Muniz on Trevoh Chalobah during the build-up. Referee Rob Jones initially allowed the goal, but the VAR review nullified it.
The KMI Panel later ruled that the contact between Muniz and Chalobah was minimal and fell within the acceptable bounds of normal play. Panel votes were unanimous (5-0), and the VAR decision was deemed incorrect. This high-profile mistake led to Michael Salisbury being temporarily stood down from future appointments, highlighting the serious repercussions of VAR errors at the top level.
3. Wolves 2-3 Everton: Hugo Bueno Penalty Denied
During Wolves’ clash with Everton, Hugo Bueno went down under a challenge from Iliman Ndiaye in the 70th minute. The on-field referee allowed play to continue, and VAR did not intervene. The KMI Panel, however, judged the contact sufficient to merit a penalty. The panel’s votes reflected the divided nature of these judgments: on-field vote 1-4, VAR vote 2-3.
Wolves, trailing 3-1 at the time, were potentially denied a chance to mount a comeback. Incidents like these illustrate the thin line between subjective judgment and objective enforcement of rules. The debate around VAR effectiveness continues, with clubs arguing for consistent interpretation and fans often left frustrated by perceived inconsistencies.
Broader Implications for the Premier League
While the data shows a slight uptick in errors compared to last season, the overall trend suggests VAR remains more accurate than in earlier campaigns. Yet these mistakes fuel ongoing debates about its role in modern football. Clubs, players, and supporters frequently voice concerns about consistency, particularly in high-stakes matches where decisions can alter league standings or cup progressions.
The KMI Panel’s work highlights that errors are an inherent part of officiating, even with technology. It also underscores the difficulty of applying laws of the game in real time. As VAR technology and referee training continue to evolve, Premier League stakeholders hope to reduce errors further while maintaining the human element of decision-making that makes football unpredictable and compelling.
The Premier League’s commitment to transparency via the KMI Panel ensures that each mistake is scrutinized, lessons are learned, and referees receive guidance. However, with fans increasingly active on social media, every VAR incident is amplified, leading to intense scrutiny and debate in the public sphere.
Conclusion
VAR remains a vital tool in modern football, but its limitations are evident. The first half of this Premier League season demonstrates a balance: fewer total overturns and improved accuracy, yet a slight rise in missed interventions. As teams continue to compete at the highest level, the pressure on referees and VAR officials remains immense. The KMI Panel provides a structured method of reviewing decisions, but the human eye, interpretation of the laws, and the game’s pace mean errors are likely to continue.
For fans, pundits, and analysts, keeping track of these decisions provides insights into the evolution of officiating standards, the role of technology, and the ongoing quest for fairness in the world’s most-watched football league.
For more detailed sports updates and Premier League insights, visit netsports247.com.
