The use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology continues to spark fierce debate in the Premier League, with new data revealing a significant rise in officiating errors this season. According to the league's Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel, there have been 13 confirmed VAR mistakes in the first half of the 2025/26 campaign.
A Concerning Rise in VAR Mistakes
This figure represents a 30 per cent increase compared to the same point last season, when 10 errors were logged. The panel, which meets weekly and comprises three former players and coaches plus representatives from the Premier League and PGMOL, has noted that the majority of these errors—11 out of 13—were missed interventions. This is when the VAR fails to recommend that the on-field referee reviews a decision.
While the number of errors is higher than last season, there has been improvement from previous years. At this stage of the 2023/24 season, there were 20 errors, and 23 in the 2022/23 campaign. However, the high-profile nature of several mistakes this term has led to mounting frustration among managers, players, and fans alike.
Breaking Down the Key Errors
The KMI Panel's findings detail every incident deemed incorrect. Among the most controversial was Fulham's disallowed goal at Chelsea. Josh King thought he had put the visitors ahead, but the goal was chalked off after VAR Michael Salisbury advised referee Rob Jones to review a soft foul in the build-up. The decision was unanimously considered wrong by the panel, leading to Salisbury being stood down for his next appointment.
Other significant errors include:
- Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Marcos Senesi avoiding a red card for a deliberate handball.
- Brentford vs Manchester United: Nathan Collins only receiving a yellow for pulling back Bryan Mbeumo in the box.
- Newcastle vs Manchester City: Phil Foden being denied a penalty after a late challenge from Fabian Schär.
- Brentford vs Tottenham: Cristian Romero avoiding a red card for a foul on Igor Thiago.
The panel also reported an increase in on-field mistakes that did not meet the "clear and obvious" threshold for VAR intervention, rising from 12 to 15.
The Winners and Losers of VAR Calls
The data reveals a clear disparity in which clubs have benefited from errors and which have suffered. Bournemouth, Brentford, and Manchester United were the hardest hit, each on the wrong end of two incorrect VAR decisions.
Conversely, Chelsea have been the biggest beneficiaries, profiting from three errors. This includes the controversial disallowed goal for Fulham and a missed handball penalty appeal by Malo Gusto in a draw with Bournemouth. Newcastle also benefited twice, including in their 2-1 win over Manchester City where a potential early penalty for City was not given.
As the season enters its decisive phase, the consistency and accuracy of VAR decisions will remain under intense scrutiny, with every point potentially crucial in the battles for the title, European qualification, and survival.
