Carabao Cup semi-finals to feature radical new VAR trial for first time in English football
Share:
The upcoming Carabao Cup semi-finals will see referees announce the outcome of VAR decisions to the crowd as part of a new trial. Arsenal face Newcastle and Tottenham take on Liverpool in the first legs of the last four of the cup competition next week – and the matches will see history made. The PGMOL have been keen to embrace technology and have decided that the four games are the perfect opportunity to try out in-stadium VAR announcements.
It means that the referee will speak directly to the supporters to explain the reasoning behind major decisions. For example, they will announce decisions following a trip to the pitchside monitor, as well as for incidents like accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside offences where the attacker touches the ball.
A statement from the EFL read: “VAR will be in place for this season’s Carabao Cup semi-finals, along with the first use of in-stadium VAR announcements in English football. “As part of the trial, referees will announce (over the stadium public address system) the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor, or upon the conclusion of factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements. Only the final decision will be announced in the stadium.
“In-stadium VAR announcements have already been successfully introduced in several FIFA events, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and aim to provide greater clarity and understanding around key decisions to supporters in the stadiums and those watching from home.
