VAR technology in English football; Implications of intervening in a fast-moving game Ammar Hafeez, Uzzam Hafeez, Ansab Amin, Shaheen Hasan International Sports Studies 44 No. 1 (2022) https://doi.org/10.30819/iss.44-1.07     pp: 80-95     2022-03-30

VAR technology in English football; Implications of intervening in a fast-moving game

Stichworte/keywords: Association football, soccer, video assistant referee, English Premier League, refereeing, VAR technology, home advantage

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Abstract
This paper studies the impact of introducing video assistant referee (VAR) technology into one of Europe’s top five leagues. Its focus is on how incidents that fall under the dual jurisdiction i.e., the on-field referee and the VAR technology have evolved in the English Premier League (EPL). Nine variables were examined with respect to the season in which VAR technology was first used and the season prior to it. These were goals scored in a game, penalties awarded, fouls committed, offsides, yellow cards, red cards, playing time in the 1st half, playing time in the 2nd half, total playing time. In addition to this, how the introduction of the VAR technology impacted home advantage in the EPL is also investigated. Results from the application of the generalized linear models show an increase in fouls, playing time in the 1st half, playing time in the 2nd half and total playing time while offsides are reduced. However, more offsides are being called against the home teams which may be leveling up the game of football by diminishing home team advantage. The results are similar to those reported in previous studies based on the German, Spanish and Chinese top division leagues. However, the English Premier League is the most watched sports league in the world and home to some of the biggest and most famous football clubs, players, managers and stadiums. Hence, results from this study hold some importance in the growing literature related to VAR technology.