The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is set to debut in English Premier League for the first time this Saturday on September 15 across multiple games taking place at 3 pm across the country. The trial will be at the central VAR hub with no communication with the on-field referees at the grounds.
The VAR is a football assistant referee who reviews decisions made by the head referees during any football match with the help of video footage and a headset used for communication. It is limited to goals, penalty calls, direct red cards and cases of potential mistaken identity. Former elite referees Mike Jones and Neil Swarbrick have the responsibility of taking care of this technology.
In April, Premier League clubs voted against the introduction of VAR for the 2018-19 season but it was in operation is 19 EFL Cup and FA Cup games last season. The clubs, while voting in April, decided to wait until the match officials had more experience to use this technology and to see how it was received in the recently concluded 2018 FIFA World Cup. VAR Technology Used For First Time in FIFA World Cup: France Awarded Penalty Against Australia After Referee Corrects His Decision During 2018 FIFA WC Match
The premier league is planning to use VAR throughout the EPL games next season. The games in which VAR will be trialled are AFC Bournemouth vs Leicester City, Chelsea vs Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town vs Crystal Palace, Manchester City vs Fulham and Newcastle United vs Arsenal.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2018 12:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).