Mike Riley Says VAR Has Made Four Mistakes In The Premier League

VAR has got four major incidents wrong so far this season, that's the view of referee head Mike Riley, but fans will no doubt think there's been more errors.

This is the first season the Premier League has used video assistant referees to help with officiating. The system has come under attack for different reasons, including the fact it's missed some big calls.

Professional Game Match Officials Limited general manager Mike Riley believes there are just four occasions VAR should have got right, with the former ref telling Sky Sports, what they were.

Riley revealed that Fabian Schar's goal against Watford in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle should have been ruled out for a handball and Youri Tielemans' stamp against Bournemouth should have been a red card.

Manchester City should have had a penalty against the Cherries and West Ham's Sebastian Haller should have also had a spot kick in the win against Norwich City.

Schar's goal may have cost Javi Gracia his job and it shouldn't have counted. Image: PA Images

Speaking about the officiating so far this season Riley said, "Of the four rounds of matches, there have been some really good examples where we have intervened.

"Six times where VAR has advised the referee and we have got a better result

"There are four incidents where VAR didn't intervene. They were about the judgement of VAR and the processes we adopt."

Speaking about why the errors happened the 54-year-old added, "A combination of factors. That is the fascinating thing as this project evolves, we are constantly learning.

"We are trying not to disrupt the flow of the game but on these occasions, the judgement should have been that it was a clear and obvious error.

"One of the really positive things about the first four match rounds has been the quality of on-field performances.

"All the referees have incorporated the things we need to do with VAR into their refereeing while still focusing on making real-time decisions.

Ever since the system was introduced there's been plenty of questions about the use of it with some doubting how much it improves the game and many thinking if anything it detracts from it.

Which other mistakes do you think the systems made this season?

Topics: Manchester City, Watford, Football News, Leicester City, David Silva, Premier League, norwich city, West Ham, bournemouth, Newcastle United, VAR

Ryan Sidle

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