Sports
FULL LIST:13 VAR errors recorded in EPL so far in 2025/26 season
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) mistakes increased during the first half of the Premier League campaign, according to figures from the league’s independent Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel analysed by BBC Sport.
The panel logged 13 VAR errors across the opening half of the season, marking a 30 per cent rise from the 10 recorded at the same stage last term. Despite the increase, the number remains lower than previous seasons, with 20 errors at this point in 2023–24 and 23 in 2022–23.
Of the 13 mistakes this season, 11 were classified as missed interventions, where VAR failed to recommend an on-field review despite an incorrect decision by the referee. This represents a notable jump from seven missed interventions last season. Incorrect interventions, where VAR wrongly became involved, dropped slightly from three to two.
The overall number of VAR overturns has also fallen, declining from 57 last season to 47, a 17.5 per cent reduction, reflecting the Premier League’s continued insistence on the “clear and obvious” standard for intervention.
In addition, the KMI Panel highlighted 15 refereeing errors on the pitch that did not reach the threshold for VAR involvement, up from 12 at the same stage last season.
The KMI Panel, established by Premier League clubs in 2022, meets weekly to review key match incidents such as goals, penalties and red cards. It is made up of five members, including three former players or coaches, alongside representatives from the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials. The panel assesses the referee’s original decision first before evaluating VAR’s role, acknowledging cases where VAR may be correct not to intervene due to the high threshold.
The 13 VAR errors this season occurred in several high-profile fixtures and involved missed red cards, penalties and disciplinary decisions.
Full list of VAR errors this season:
Liverpool vs Bournemouth – Marcos Senesi avoided a red card for handball that denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Chelsea vs Fulham – Fulham’s Josh King had a legitimate goal incorrectly disallowed following VAR intervention.
Wolves vs Everton – Wolves were denied a penalty after a careless challenge on Hugo Bueno.
Brentford vs Manchester United – Nathan Collins escaped a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Chelsea vs Brighton – Malo Gusto went unpunished for a high boot to Yankuba Minteh’s head.
Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth – Marcos Senesi again avoided a red card for a DOGSO offence.
Brentford vs Newcastle – Dango Ouattara was wrongly booked for simulation instead of being awarded a penalty.
Bournemouth vs West Ham – Max Kilman should have been sent off for deliberate handball.
Newcastle vs Manchester City – No penalty was awarded after Phil Foden was fouled inside the box.
Wolves vs Manchester United – Emmanuel Agbadou’s handball, which blocked a shot, was not sanctioned.
Everton vs Arsenal – Everton were denied a late penalty following a foul by William Saliba.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth – Malo Gusto escaped punishment for another handball offence.
Brentford vs Tottenham – Cristian Romero avoided a red card after bringing down Igor Thiago when through on goal.
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