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.
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).
Delaying the restart
Ahead of the 2023/24 season, the Premier League introduced a series of measures to increase effective playing time.
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.
There have been nine cautions for delaying the restart so far this season.