Story perspectives

Premier League VAR Errors Surge, Impacting Teams Unequally

1/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2025–26 Premier League season has seen 13 Video Assistant Referee (VAR) errors after 19 matches, up from 10 at the same point last season.
Chelsea has benefited from three favorable officiating errors.
Newcastle United and Bournemouth have gained from favorable officiating errors.
Manchester United has been most negatively impacted by VAR errors.
The Key Match Incidents panel highlighted a non-red card against Brentford and a missed penalty against Wolverhampton.

History

Historical Context

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was officially approved for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, following trials that began in 2016. While VAR corrected 80% of critical decisions in its inaugural season, it faced criticism for inconsistencies and errors, including a notable incident in September 2023 that disallowed a valid goal for Liverpool FC. These challenges raise ongoing questions about VAR's effectiveness and future reforms in football officiating.

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Story summary

The 2025–26 Premier League season has seen 13 Video Assistant Referee (VAR) errors after 19 matches, up from 10 at the same point last season.
Chelsea has benefited from three favorable officiating errors.
Newcastle United and Bournemouth have gained from favorable officiating errors.
Manchester United has been most negatively impacted by VAR errors.
The Key Match Incidents panel highlighted a non-red card against Brentford and a missed penalty against Wolverhampton.

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