Arsenal’s celebration after taking the lead against Brentford was short-lived, as Kieran Tierney’s goal was ruled out by the Premier League’s new semi-automated offside system during Saturday night’s match at the Emirates.
Tierney, who finished off a cross from Ethan Nwaneri, seemed unsure of his position, suggesting he may have strayed beyond the last defender. Despite the on-field referee initially allowing the goal, the joy was brief. ..Continue Reading
VAR soon intervened, using the updated technology to determine the offside, and the goal was overturned. Disappointed Arsenal fans loudly voiced their frustration as the decision was confirmed on the screen.
The Premier League Match Centre took to social media to confirm: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Tierney was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”
Before this weekend’s fixtures, the Premier League proudly announced the long-awaited introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), according to the Mirror.
Originally scheduled to debut after an international break in October or November, the system finally made its first appearance in English football during seven of the eight FA Cup fifth-round ties earlier in March.
Now, the Premier League has stepped up its technological approach by conducting further offline tests, bringing SAOT into regular use in the top flight.
The system uses advanced graphics, virtual offside lines, and optical tracking of players to improve accuracy, aiming to provide a smoother and clearer experience for both stadium-goers and fans watching from home.
Equipped with 30 cameras positioned around each ground, the technology will be used to assess marginal offside decisions, supporting referees by either confirming or advising changes to their calls—similar to VAR.
Developed in partnership with Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) and Genius Sports, the Premier League has played a key role in pushing this innovation forward.
Back in February, Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s chief football officer, described the system as “the most precise and future-ready” solution available.
