Newcastle United matches against Arsenal to see new VAR initiative trialled


 
 
 
 
 
 

Newcastle United are to be part of a trial for a new VAR initiative.

This will be for the two Carabao Cup semi-final matches against Arsenal.

With the Liverpool v Tottenham semi-finals games to be also part of this trial.

There will be in-stadium VAR announcements during the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

It is bewildering why everything takes so long for the Premier League/English football to do anything.

Far more importantly, it is ridiculous that we are still waiting for the Premier League to approve semi-automated offsides, which give greater accuracy and are sorted so much quicker, than the current method of VARs drawing dodgy lines on a screen.

The Athletic report – 30 December 2024:

In-stadium video assistant referee (VAR) announcements will be trialled in English football for the first time during January’s Carabao Cup semi-finals.

The trial will take place across both legs of the ties between Arsenal and Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

The decision is driven by Professional Game Match Officials Board’s (PGMOL), the body responsible for refereeing in English professional football, “broader commitment to transparency, including providing greater clarity and understanding around key decisions”.

A PGMOL statement read: “Referees will announce 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 offences where the attacker touches the ball.”

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Tuesday 7 January – Arsenal v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports and ITV1 and ITVX

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)

Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports