Why VAR is being used in Chelsea vs Arsenal but not for Man City vs Bristol City in the Carabao Cup?
THE VAR TV system will be used in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie between London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.
It was used during the Brighton vs Crystal Palace FA Cup tie on Monday night and cleared up one slightly contentious point, when Albion's Glenn Murray moved his arm behind his body and ball went into the net off his knees.
The Video Assistant Referee format will also be used at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening when Chelsea entertain Arsenal in their Carabao Cup semi-final, first leg.
But it won't be used in the other Carabao clash between Bristol City and Manchester City tonight.
How does VAR work?
THE technology allows referees to review key events with the help of videos and replays.
Used widely in rugby league, American football and cricket, it's application into football comes after a lengthy debate.
It is meant to be used 'to correct clear errors and for missed serious incidents' in match-changing situations according to the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
A referee can ask for a referral, which is then sent to an off-field ref in the Premier League film headquarters in Uxbridge.
He reviews the footage and relays his decision to on-field officials.
Why is it not being applied to the Bristol City vs Manchester City Carabao Cup semi-final?
It would have been okay to use at the Etihad but Ashton Gate is not a suitable venue for the system.
Only Premier League grounds have the technology to get the footage back to the league’s TV HQ in Uxbridge.
It would be inconsistent to use it in one of the legs and not the other at the Championship club's ground.
So it's all go on Wednesday night then for Chelsea vs Arsenal in the same competition?
Yes. Absolutely - and this time expect a few more controversial moments than on Monday night as then stakes are higher so close to a day out at Wembley.
What can the team in Uxbridge see?
They have access to every camera angle, plus the four goal decision system cameras. Crucially, they won’t see what broadcasters show – replays etc – so will remain uninfluenced by anything external to what they see on those camera angles.
What incidents can a VAR intervene for?
Goals, red cards, penalties and mistaken identity. Just that.
How are incidents reviewed?
The VAR can inform the referee there has been a factual error that does not require the referee to see the video, like a goal being scored from an offside position.
The second is the on-field review where the VAR advises the referee to re-watch footage on a pitch-side monitor and reconsider their decision.
In both cases the referee will make a TV signal gesture before communicating the final decision.
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History shows there is one on-field review in every three games.
How long does this take?
On average from time the game is stopped to restarting it is taking about two-and-a-half minutes.