VIDEO | The VAR Audio is out and it’s one of the worst things I’ve ever listened to

The PGMOL, which is in charge of referees, has taken a big step forward by making public the full audio recording from the VAR hub about Luis Diaz’s goal that was wrongly denied in last Saturday’s game between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Along with this move, they have also shared the following information:

In a statement released soon after the game ended on Saturday night, we admitted that there had been a major mistake made by a player during the aforementioned match, which we agree should have led to a goal being given by VAR.

“The VAR team looked at every part of the goal, as they do with all goals.” The goal was called back for offside by the officials on the field. The VAR then started the checking process, which was done properly. The kick-off point was chosen correctly, and the single 2D line on the foot of the second-to-last defender in the back was placed properly.

“The picture that was made made it clear that Luis Diaz was on the side, so there was no need to add a second line.” The VAR lost attention and focus at that moment, so he couldn’t see the on-field decision. He then said “check complete” incorrectly, which meant that the on-field decision was confirmed. He did this without taking the time to talk to the AVAR [Assistant VAR].

“The match then started over right away.” After a short time, the Replay Operator and then the AVAR questioned the check-complete outcome with the VAR and asked him to look over the image that had been made. They pointed out that the original call on the field had been offside, but this wasn’t told to the team on the field at any point during the game.

“The VAR team then thought about whether the game could be stopped at that point, but the VAR and AVAR decided that the VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game would not allow that to happen, and they decided that they could not step in since the game had already started again.”

“Below is the audio of the conversation between the match officials on the field and the VAR team.

“PGMOL has looked into what happened that led to this wrong outcome, and what they found will be used to increase the likelihood that mistakes won’t happen again.”

The following comment was also made by PGMOL:

As promised, PGMOL has looked into why Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham Hotspur FC was wrongly called offside during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC.

“We understand that standards weren’t up to par, and we told Liverpool about the mistake right after the game was over.”

“The Premier League received a detailed report with the key lessons learned and immediate actions taken, as well as the audio between the on-field officials and the VAR team. They shared it with Liverpool FC and then with all other Premier League Clubs.”

“The review of the on-field and VAR decision-making processes and the application of the decision-making principles has revealed the following important lessons that can be used to lower the chance of making a mistake in the future:

– The guidance for video match officials has always stressed the need to be quick, but never at the cost of being right. This concept will be made very clear again – A new VAR Communication Protocol will be made to make it easier for the referee and the VAR team to talk about choices made on the field.
The VAR will confirm the result of the VAR check process with the AVAR as an extra step in the process before telling the on-field officials what the final decision is.

“PGMOL wants to improve VAR performance by starting a new training program this season. The program focuses on process and best practice for all VARs, AVARs, and Replay Operators in their specific roles.” There are already a few VARs that are recognized by FIFA, and work is still being done to make a group of VAR experts.

“The VAR and AVAR in question were taken off of their remaining Premier League games in Match Round 7 and are not scheduled to play in Match Round 8 this weekend.”

“PGMOL and The FA have also agreed to look at the policy to let match officials work games when they are not scheduled by FIFA or UEFA.”

Listen to what’s below the VAR sound:

You can see their status at https://x.com/anfieldedition/status/1709260701695410373?s=46&t=2sLc9Bt6XNcXHvV2gLUOtw.