Premier League Match Centre update

The Premier League Match Centre team provides further information and context on the key operational and officiating themes we have seen in the first three match rounds of the 2024/25 season.

Better VAR communication

The start of the 2024/25 season saw the Premier League offer a new expanded approach to communications around refereeing and VAR. As a reminder, you can follow @PLMatchCentre on X for near-live updates from all matches. 

These messages, where possible, have been displayed on the big screen in stadiums for match-going fans to also be informed. Clarifications have been provided in-match on 43 incidents over the course of the first three match rounds. 

VAR review monitors

A key talking point in match round 1 was around Simon Hooper’s review of a penalty he had awarded to Everton in their match versus Brighton & Hove Albion. Upon review, it may have appeared to fans at home that the usual VAR screen did not show him the incident.

When there are technical issues, the VAR review will take place on a back-up monitor that is placed just below the main screen on the floor. In this incident, Hooper used the back-up monitor to overturn his original on-field decision. 

When VAR can and cannot intervene

Eberechi Eze put the ball in the net from a free-kick in Crystal Palace’s opening match with Brentford. Referee Sam Barrott blew his whistle for a foul inside the box before Eze’s shot crossed the line – meaning that only the free-kick to Brentford could follow.

As a reminder, by the Laws of the Game set by International Football Association Board (IFAB), VAR can only intervene in goals, red cards penalties and mistaken identity. As none of these had occurred when Barrott blew his whistle, VAR could not get involved. 

What is and isn't handball? 

This question of course came into focus during the AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United match in match round 2. Dango Ouattara’s late winner was overturned by VAR for what they deemed to be handball. As was referred to by Match Centre on X – this is a "factual" handball, because it’s deemed that the attacker scores directly with the red zone of his arm (as defined by IFAB below).

The question for the VAR is only whether it hits the attacker’s arm (red zone) but not whether it is deliberate or in an unnatural position. So, if the VAR deems that the ball hit this section of Ouattara’s arm, then there is no need for a review at the screen as this was a factual handball. The goal was overturned and a free-kick to Newcastle was awarded.

IFAB definition of Handball

What the VAR is assessing this against is the IFAB definition of handball, which is the upper boundary of the arm in line with the bottom of the armpit. A common misconception is that the definition is the "T-shirt" line. 

Delaying the restart

Ahead of the 2023/24 season, the Premier League introduced a series of measures to increase effective playing time. Alongside a more accurate calculation for added time – in line with guidance from IFAB – referees were empowered to take more robust action on time-wasting tactics.

This included clear guidance, such as in the slide below, that delaying the restart would be a yellow-card offence. 

Yellow cards for delaying the restart increased from 118 in 2022/23 to 215 in 2023/24. This stance was reaffirmed to all participants ahead of this season, and examples of offences from last season which were met with bookings.

Declan Rice was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for this offence in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton in match round 3. Mario Lemina was booked for the same offence on the same day in Wolves’ 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. There have been nine cautions for delaying the restart so far this season.