All you need to know about VAR ahead of our first match using the technology

Tonight’s FA Cup replay marks the first time we have been involved in a game in which Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be in use.

The International FA Board, who control the Laws of the Game in football worldwide, recently started an experiment using video technology to assist the referee in major game-changing decisions. Several countries throughout the world have trialled the system and last September, England became an official participant in The IFAB VAR experiment. The FA and the EFL have agreed to trial the system in selected matches in the FA Cup and EFL Cup this season, including our game against Newport County this evening.

The aim of the experiment is to use video replays to avoid clear and obvious errors in four match-changing situations:

• Goals
• Penalty/no penalty decisions
• Direct red cards shown or not shown (second yellow cards are not able to be reviewed)
• Mistaken identity

The emphasis of the experiment is to focus on clear and obvious errors. In this way, the system aims to minimise any interference with the flow of the game and maximise the advantages of reviewing the video replays. Given the subjective nature of football and a desire to maintain the flow and spectacle of the game, the system is not intended to achieve 100 per cent accuracy in every decision. The VAR is there to advise the referee only for the four game-changing situations and the original decision of the referee on the pitch can only be changed if a video review shows a clear and obvious error.

The VAR’s role is to assist the referee, and they will check incidents in the four match-changing situations. Most of these checks will go unnoticed as they will take place in the background while the game is continuing. If a check shows that that a clear and obvious error may have taken place, a review will then follow. The review process, which can be requested by the referee or recommended by the VAR, takes two forms.

Firstly, the VAR can inform the referee that there is a factual error on a clear situation which does not require the referee to review the video. For example, the player who scored a goal was an in an offside position. You will then see the referee making the ‘TV screen’ signal and he can then change the original decision, disallowing the goal and penalising the offside offence.

In situations that are less clear, the VAR will advise the referee to look at the video. This is called an On-Field Review. You will see the referee move to the side of the pitch to review the footage on a monitor before making the final decision. Following a review, the referee will make a ‘TV screen’ signal and communicate the final decision. This may either confirm or change the original decision.

Usually, these reviews will take place during a stoppage in play and the referee will hold up the game until the review is completed. Occasionally, the referee may choose to stop the game to consider a review. This will only happen when play is in a ‘neutral’ area, typically in midfield.

IFAB will continue to monitor the system and the way it has impacted on the game in the many competitions who are participating in the experiment, before deciding whether to amend the Laws of the Game to include Video Assistant Referees.