Since its implementation, VAR has generally improved the quality of officiating, leading to a higher rate of correct calls.
However, the technology isn’t flawless. Errors still occur, and this Premier League season alone has witnessed 11 notable mistakes, according to ESPN.
Manchester United, in particular, have fallen victim to two of those misjudgments, raising concerns about the consistency of VAR use.
2. Fernandes’ Controversial Red (September 29)
Bruno Fernandes was dismissed for a foul on James Maddison, a decision that led to a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham. The card was eventually overturned on appeal, but the damage had already been done.
3. West Ham’s Decisive Penalty (October 27)
A controversial VAR decision awarded West Ham a late penalty against United after De Ligt’s challenge on Ings. Jarrod Bowen converted, leading to a United loss and ultimately costing Erik ten Hag his job.
4. Maatsen Avoids Dismissal (November 23)
During Villa’s draw with Crystal Palace, Maatsen escaped a red card despite stopping Sarr’s run on goal. Though VAR saw another defender as a cover, the independent review later suggested a red should’ve been issued.
5. Norgaard’s Disputed Red (November 23)
Norgaard was sent off against Everton for a challenge on Pickford. The Key Match Incident panel later concluded it was a genuine contest for the ball and overturned the decision.
6. Doucoure’s Offside Involvement (December 4)
Doucoure appeared to interfere from an offside position leading to a goal, but VAR let it stand—despite a similar incident earlier in the same game being penalized.
7. Anderson’s Untouched Penalty Claim (December 14)
Anderson’s pull on Rogers in the box went unnoticed during Newcastle’s clash with Aston Villa. The extended foul seemed enough to warrant a penalty, but none was given.
8. Estupiñán’s Reckless Tackle (December 21)
A dangerous challenge by Estupiñán on Kilman deserved a red card, but VAR failed to act, and the defender continued unpunished.
9. Pedro’s Intentional Swing (December 27)
João Pedro was caught swinging an elbow at Yarmoliuk. Though contact wasn’t made, the act was considered dangerous, and many felt he should’ve seen red. VAR disagreed.
10. Mac Allister’s Hold on Soler (December 29)
In Liverpool’s big win over West Ham, Mac Allister was seen grabbing Soler in the box. VAR didn’t intervene, but the KMI review suggested a penalty should’ve been awarded.
11. Burns Escapes Penalty Decision – January 19
Although Brighton eventually sealed a 2-0 win over Ipswich, the match was goalless when Wes Burns appeared to impede Jan Paul van Hecke in the penalty area.
Despite appeals, the referee allowed play to continue. Upon review, the KMI panel concluded that Burns should have been penalized, noting he showed no intent to play the ball and clearly disrupted van Hecke’s movement.
12. Offside Confusion Denies Milenkovic Goal – January 19
In Nottingham Forest’s 3-2 win over Southampton, a possible fourth goal was disallowed after Chris Wood, in an offside position, challenged for a cross.
The KMI panel later stated that Wood did not impact an opposing player and the goal should have counted, especially since it was a teammate, not a defender, who ultimately headed the ball into the net.
13. Lewis-Skelly’s Controversial Sending Off – January 25
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card early against Wolves for a challenge deemed by many, including pundit Micah Richards, as a tactical foul rather than serious misconduct.
Arsenal still won the game, and after a successful appeal, VAR admitted it had failed to intervene and correct referee Michael Oliver’s original decision.
14. Hinshelwood Avoids Giving Away a Penalty – April 2
Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood brought down Jacob Ramsey inside the area in what looked like a clear penalty for Aston Villa.
The appeals were denied, but the incident was later described by the review panel as a careless trip, despite having no bearing on the result with Villa going on to win comfortably.
15. Tarkowski’s Crunching Challenge Overlooked – April 2
In the Merseyside derby at Anfield, James Tarkowski made a heavy tackle on Alexis Mac Allister. Though he touched the ball, the follow-through was forceful.
The KMI panel ruled that contact with the ball didn’t excuse the nature of the challenge, and a red card should have been issued.
16. Kelleher Avoids Punishment After Collision – April 6
During Liverpool’s clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher rushed out and collided with Andreas Pereira in the box after the Brazilian had taken control.
Despite clear contact, no foul was given. Although Fulham won the match, the decision fueled the debate on goalkeeper favoritism.
17. Evanilson’s Red Card Debate – April 27
Bournemouth earned a draw against Manchester United, but not before Evanilson was sent off for a challenge on Noussair Mazraoui.
Although the tackle looked aggressive, he lost footing while sliding. The review suggested the referee should have taken that into account and shown more leniency.
18. Tuanzebe’s Wrestling Goes Unpunished – May 10
In a physical tussle during Ipswich’s match against Brentford, Axle Tuanzebe appeared to grapple Nathan Collins to the ground in the box.
The KMI panel ruled that Tuanzebe didn’t make any attempt to play the ball and solely focused on holding his opponent, meaning a penalty should have been awarded.
