VAR and Handball Penalties: A Closer Look

The use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier League continues to stir debates, especially concerning handball penalties. This week, two incidents involving Marc Cucurella and Kieran Trippier have come under scrutiny.

Marc Cucurella's Incident

In the match between Arsenal and Chelsea, Marc Cucurella was involved in a potential handball situation. As Thomas Partey attempted to play Jurriën Timber down the right, Cucurella went to ground, and the ball appeared to touch his arm. Despite the appeal, referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to continue, and the VAR, Jarred Gillett, upheld the decision.

VAR Review: The VAR considers the player's natural movement and whether the arm's position was deliberate. In Cucurella's case, the contact was high on the arm, and there was a question of intent. The decision to not award a penalty was consistent with the Premier League's lenient approach to handball.

Kieran Trippier's Incident

In the Carabao Cup final, Kieran Trippier was involved in another handball claim. As Liverpool's Luis Díaz chased a long ball, it bounced and touched Trippier's hand. Referee John Brooks ignored the penalty appeals.

VAR Review: Trippier was running with arms out for balance, which is justifiable. However, there was a small movement of the arm toward the ball. Again, the Premier League's lenient approach meant no penalty was awarded.

Other Key VAR Decisions

Tottenham's Missed Penalty

In the match between Fulham and Tottenham, Lucas Bergvall appeared to be fouled by Calvin Bassey in the penalty area. Despite the appeal, no penalty was given. The VAR, Paul Tierney, checked the incident but upheld the on-field decision.

VAR Review: The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has noted a high threshold for VAR interventions in penalty decisions. This incident might be another close call, but it seemed more of a penalty as Bergvall was prevented from continuing his run.

Newcastle's Disallowed Goal

In the Carabao Cup final, Newcastle thought they had doubled their lead when Alexander Isak scored. However, the goal was disallowed for offside against Bruno Guimarães.

VAR Review: Guimarães was offside and in front of the goalkeeper, influencing the play. The decision to disallow the goal was correct.

Conclusion

VAR continues to be a contentious aspect of the Premier League, with decisions on handball penalties and other key incidents often sparking debates. The lenient approach to handball and the high threshold for VAR interventions mean that not all appeals result in penalties. As the season progresses, the role of VAR will remain under the spotlight.