Blog
Every Premier League VAR error: Winners and losers, referee statistics – ESPN
The 2025-26 Premier League fixtures were revealed last week, indicating that we may already be preparing for the upcoming season. That said, there is still time to reflect on the VAR dispute in 2024-25.
The video assistant was frequently in the news, either for failing to interfere or for exceeding his authority.
But which clubs took the brunt of the VAR errors? What teams benefited? Are Arsenal fans correct to believe they don’t get decisions?
We examine where the season went wrong, focusing on significant foul-play situations, with four red cards reversed on appeal to the Football Association.
We’ll also look at where the officials got it right, identifying who were statistically the top refs and VARs throughout the season… and who needed to improve.
Now that the dust has settled, ESPN can publish the entire list of the 18 VAR errors (yes, only 18) documented by the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel, as well as how they voted.
If there were only 18 mistakes this season, VAR must be improving, correct? Right?

Declan Rice leads the complaints to referee Michael Oliver after he sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly, a decision not overturned on VAR review. Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Revealed: Every official VAR error in the Premier League 2024-25
Throughout the season, players, coaches, and supporters complained about VAR judgments. Yet every time one club complains, another is overjoyed because the VAR intervened (not that we know about it).
However, both the officials and the VAR make mistakes from time to time, particularly during this season’s significant foul play. Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard and AFC Bournemouth’s Evanilson earned VAR red cards, which were later reversed on appeal.
Then there were Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, who were sent off by the referee but the video referee refused to intervene. Everton defender James Tarkowski also escaped a red card for his horrific challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis MacAllister.
Who decides whether a mistake has been made?
The Premier League established a KMI panel at the start of the 2022-23 season with the goal of providing an arm’s-length assessment.
Prior to 2022, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the institution in charge of officiating, would compile the statistics. Clubs complained that the data were skewed in favor of the officials, and thus the KMI panel was formed.
The panel has five members: three former players and/or coaches, one Premier League representative, and one from PGMOL. Each member has one vote across the KMIs on two issues: the referee’s original judgment and whether the VAR should intervene. A simple majority is required to determine right or wrong, therefore ex-players can always carry the vote.
Following each game week, clubs receive a document outlining the vote process and the reasons for it. However, this is just another committee’s subjective decision, and referees and clubs will continue to differ.
Winners and Losers
Brentford committed the most errors (3), two of which were in games in which they did not score the maximum number of points. In November, Nørgaard received a red card in the first half at Everton. In December, Brighton & Hove Albion’s João Pedro should have been sent off for violent behavior, but both matches ended goalless. The Bees were also denied a penalty kick at Ipswich, which they won.
Bournemouth are next worst affected, and as we’ll see as we progress through the categories, manager Andoni Iraola has every right to be frustrated with VAR. His side leads practically every other metric, including critical ones like interventions against and, more importantly, goals disallowed. While Brentford may have made more mistakes, Bournemouth’s were obviously impactful.
Bournemouth made their first mistake of the season on the opening weekend as Dango Ouattara’s stoppage-time goal against Newcastle was disallowed due to handball. In April, Evanilson received the incorrect VAR red card. The Cherries were leading when the striker was sent off, and they eventually drew 1-1.
Bournemouth were not the only team to suffer in extended time, as Manchester United lost 2-1 against West Ham due to an erroneous penalty.
Brighton and Everton profited the most, with three errors each.
Everton had a red card for Nørgaard and a goal against Wolves that should have been disallowed. However, both choices were of limited benefit, as Everton trounced Wolves and lost the Merseyside derby with 11 men.
Brighton avoided red cards against West Ham and Brentford (they drew both games) and should have conceded a penalty kick against Villa (which they lost).
Here is a list of all 18 errors, along with comments from the KMI panel.
1. Bournemouth 1–1 Newcastle, August 25.
Dango Ouattara’s goal was disallowed for handball (90+2′).
KMI panel referee vote: 5-0.
KMI panel VAR vote: 0–5.
Bournemouth nearly scored a late winner, but the VAR intervened to rule it off due to handball by the goal scorer. (Watch here.)
What the KMI judges stated: “The panel were unanimous in agreeing that the goal was correctly awarded on-field, and that there was no conclusive evidence readily available of an accidental handball by the attacker, that would be required for the VAR to intervene.”

It wasn’t clear that the ball had come off Dango Ouattara’s arm. BBC
2. Manchester United 0–3 Tottenham, September 29.
Bruno Fernandes received a red card for serious foul play (41′).
KMI panel referee vote: 0–5.
KMI panel VAR vote: 0–5.
Man United trailed 1-0 after captain Fernandes was sent off for a challenge on James Maddison with his studs (but did not make contact). The VAR did not intervene to lower the card to yellow. The red card was overturned following an appeal to the Football Association. (Watch here.)
The KMI panel stated, “Fernandes is reaching, the contact is high, but it is not excessive force or endangering safety.” The evidence also supports a VAR intervention.”

Bruno Fernandes’ tackle on James Maddison was worthy of only a yellow card. Michael Regan/Getty Images
3. West Ham 2-1 Manchester United, October 27.
Matthijs de Ligt fouled Danny Ings, resulting in a penalty (90+2′).
KMI panel referee vote: 5-0.
KMI panel VAR vote: 0–5.
The VAR recommended that West Ham be awarded a penalty kick in additional time. Jarrod Bowen scored the goal, giving the home side a 2-1 victory. The panel voted 5-0 to declare the overturn a mistake. United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, was fired the next morning. (Watch here.)
The KMI panel stated: “A collision between two players vying for a lost ball; the referee is in a good position and decides to play on. The panel unanimously supported the referee’s original call of no penalty.

Manchester United players protest after a VAR penalty was given against Matthijs de Ligt. James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
4. Everton 0–0 Brentford, November 23.
Christian Nørgaard was sent off for major foul play (39′).
KMI panel referee vote: 3-2.
KMI panel VAR vote: 2-3.
The referee did not award a free kick to the Brentford captain after he made contact with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s knee while falling to meet a cross. The VAR referred the referee to the monitor and recommended a red card. The red card was reversed on appeal. This was a 3–2 vote. (Watch here.)
The KMI panel split (3:2), with the majority believing the on-field decision was correct since ‘both players are committed to regular footballing acts.’ Two judges disagreed with the on-field ruling, stating that “although this was a ball challenge, there was a high, full, and strong impact with the studs.

PGMOL insists the decision to send off Christian Nørgaard was correct, despite the KMI panel’s vote. Jan Kruger/Getty Images
On November 23, Aston Villa drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace. Ian Maatsen was not shown a red card in the 65th minute.
KMI panel referee vote: 1-4.
KMI panel VAR vote: 2-3.
Maatsen, an Aston Villa defender, brought down Ismaïla Sarr during a goal-scoring opportunity. The referee and the VAR believed there was a covering player, and Maatsen was cautioned. Palace led 2-1 at the time, and the game finished 2-2.
The KMI panel stated that Sarr was in control, touched the ball towards the goal, and had an evident opportunity to shoot. The panel (3:2) believed the VAR should have interfered in a clear and evident error.”

Ismaïla Sarr would have been able to get a shot on goal when fouled by Ian Maatsen. BBC
6. Everton 4-0 Wolves, December 4.
Abdoulaye Doucouré committed an offside offense on goal (72′).
KMI panel referee vote: 1-4.
KMI panel VAR vote: 1-4.
Everton had previously had one goal disallowed by VAR in the 16th minute due to an offside offense by Orel Mangala, who blocked an opponent. Doucouré’s actions in the 72nd minute resulted in Craig Dawson’s own goal, giving Everton a 4-0 lead. No intervention was made. (Watch here.)
The KMI panel stated that the offside attacker’s actions have a clear impact on the defender’s ability to compete for or play the ball. The panel found that both the on-field decision (4:1) and the VAR’s decision not to intervene (4:1) were erroneous.”

Abdoulaye Doucouré in an offside position preventing a Wolves player from stopping the cross. NBC
7. Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa, December 14.
Penalty not imposed. Elliott Anderson committed a foul in the 34th minute.
KMI panel referee votes: 2-3
KMI panel VAR vote: 2-3.
The majority of the KMI panel felt Anderson’s holding infraction on Morgan Rogers just passed the line for a VAR penalty when the game was scoreless. However, it stated that a pitchside monitor review would have allowed the referee to analyze Rogers’ earlier holding. (Watch here.)
The KMI panel stated: “Anderson grabs Rogers outside of the area, but this continues inside. “The holding offense is clear.”

While the VAR should have stepped in after Elliot Anderson pulled back Morgan Rogers, it might not have resulted in a penalty kick at the monitor. BBC
8. West Ham 1–1 Brighton, December 21.
Pervis Estupiñán did not receive a red card despite serious foul play (84′).
KMI panel referee vote: 1-4.
KMI panel VAR vote: 1-4.
With the score at 1-1, Estupiñán was penalized for a foul on Max Kilman, but the VAR decided against a red card review.
The KMI panel stated that Estupinian’s action is fast, forceful, and intense, and it endangers the opponent’s safety.

Pervis Estupiñán wasn’t sent off after an out-of-control tackle on Max Kilman. BBC
9. Brighton 0–0 Brentford, December 27
João Pedro was not handed a red card for his violent behavior in the 75th minute.
KMI panel referee vote: 0–5.
KMI panel VAR vote: 0–5.
Yehor Yarmoliuk pulled João Pedro back, prompting the Brighton forward to throw his elbow back. Despite João Pedro’s use of force, the VAR did not issue a red card for aggressive conduct. (Watch here.)
Pedro was also sent off for violent conduct in the return fixture.
The KMI panel stated that João Pedro made a definite attempt to attack Yarmoliuk. According to the game rules, no contact is required for this clear action to result in a red card for violent behavior. “There is no place in football for such actions.”

João Pedro escaped a red card after throwing an arm in the direction of Yehor Yarmoliuk. NBC
10. West Ham 0–5 Liverpool, December 29.
Penalty not imposed. Foul by Alexis MacAllister (35′)
KMI panel referee votes: 2-3
KMI panel VAR vote: 2-3.
When West Ham United trailed 1-0, Carlos Soler and Mac Allister clashed off the ball. Mohammed Kudus sent in a cross from the right that Lucas Paquetá deflected into goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s arms at the near post. Soler (who had no chance of challenging for the ball) went down in the heart of the box after being pressured by Mac Allister. (Watch here.)
The KMI panel split (3:2), with the majority judging the on-field judgment erroneous since ‘he [Mac Allister] turns his back on the ball, his only motivation is to hinder the attacker [Soler] and tosses him to the floor.’ The alternative viewpoint was that “there is initial engagement from both players and it has no clear impact on play.”

Alexis Mac Allister grapples with Carlos Soler inside the penalty area. West Ham United
11. Ipswich 0–2 Brighton, January 19.
Penalty not imposed. Foul by Wes Burns (11′)
KMI panel referee vote: 0–5.
KMI panel VAR vote: 1-4.
Burns was clinging on to Jan Paul van Hecke, stopping the Brighton player from getting to the ball. It was 0-0 at the moment, with Brighton taking all three points.
The KMI panel stated, “The body position and touch instigated by Burns should have been penalized. Van Hecke must engage as he attempts to get past the defense. Burns makes no attempt to look at or play the ball.
12. Nottingham Forest 3-2 Southampton on January 19.
Nikola Milenkovic was called for offside against Chris Wood (64′).
KMI panel referee vote: 4-1.
KMI panel VAR vote: 1-4.
Wood had returned to contend for the ball from an offside position, but there was no impact on an opponent, thus the goal should have stood. The panel voted 4-1 that the intervention was wrong. Forest led 3-1 at the time. (Watch here)
The KMI panel stated that “Wood comes from an offside position but does not impact any opponent’s ability to play or challenge for the ball.” One panelist believed that “Wood impacts a defender’s ability; specifically, their decision of which space to defend.”

Chris Wood challenged for the ball from an offside position, but this didn’t impact an opponent. BBC
13. Wolves 0–1 Arsenal, January 25.
Serious foul play, red card issued to Myles Lewis-Skelly (43′).
KMI panel referee vote: 0–5.
KMI panel VAR vote: 1-4.
One of the season’s most contentious decisions, Lewis-Skelly’s red card for a trip on Matt Doherty just outside the attacking penalty area, was upheld on VAR review. It was goalless at the time of the dismissal, with the Gunners winning in the 74th minute after Wolves had been reduced to ten men. (Watch here)
The KMI panel stated, “A cynical trip to stop a counter-attack. The first point of contact is high on the shin but not forceful, and it is made with the side of the boot. This initial contact moves rapidly to the foot, so the offense should only result in a yellow card for a reckless challenge.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off in Arsenal’s victory at Wolves. BBC
14. Brighton 0–3 Aston Villa, April 2.
Penalty not imposed. Jack Hinshelwood committed a foul in the 36th minute
KMI panel referee vote: 0–5.
KMI panel VAR vote: 0–5.
The game was scoreless in the first half when Jacob Ramsey attempted to pass Hinshelwood, who stuck out a leg and definitely committed a foul. But the referee did nothing, and the VAR did not overrule the decision. (Watch here)
The KMI panel stated: “A clear trip and careless foul.”

Jacob Ramsey was very clearly fouled by Jack Hinshelwood. BBC
15. Liverpool 1-0 Everton on April 2.
Serious foul play, no red card issued to James Tarkowski (11′)
KMI panel referee vote: 0–5.
KMI panel VAR vote: 0–5.
Tarkowski came out for a challenge/clearance and caught Liverpool player Mac Allister high on the shin with force. Everton should have been reduced to 10 men early in the game, but Liverpool went on to win. (Watch here)
The KMI panel stated that Tarkowski winning the ball first does not diminish the challenge’s obvious dangers. A clear example of putting an opponent’s safety at risk.

James Tarkowski should have been sent off for serious foul play. Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
16. Fulham 3–2 Liverpool, April 6
Penalty not imposed. Caoimhín Kelleher committed a foul in the fifth minute.
KMI panel referee vote: 1-4.
KMI panel VAR vote: 1-4.
The Liverpool goalkeeper went out to make himself known as Andreas Pereira assisted the ball across the box. Kelleher was late and took out the Fulham attacker, but the home side still won three points. (Watch here)
What the KMI panel commented on: “Kelleher is nowhere near the ball, wipes out Pereira and the contact is significant,’ though one panelist felt ‘despite contact, it doesn’t impact Pereira’s ability to play the ball.”

Caoimhín Kelleher escaped giving away a penalty at Fulham. BBC
17. Bournemouth 1–1 Manchester United, April 27
Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play (68′).
KMI panel referee vote: 5-0.
KMI panel VAR vote: 0–5.
The VAR informed the referee that Evanilson had performed a two-footed challenge on Noussair Mazraoui, and the striker was sent out after review. The panel voted 5-0, with the red card being reversed on appeal. (Watch here)
The panel’s remarks were as follows: “Evanilson slips and Mazraoui is turning into the challenge which makes it look much worse’ and there was ‘no evidence of the referee’s call being a clear and obvious error.”

The VAR failed to recognize that Evanilson had slipped. BBC
18. Ipswich 0–1 Brentford, May 10
Penalty not imposed. Foul by Axel Tuanzebe (35′)
KMI panel referee vote: 1-4.
KMI panel VAR vote: 1-4.
The game had witnessed continual issues with holding within the area, which plainly crossed the boundary. After the players had separated, the Ipswich Town defender grabbed Nathan Collins’ waist and dragged him to the ground. Brentford had already scored the game’s sole goal by this moment. (Watch here)
The KMI panel stated: “Tuanzebe is not looking at the ball; Collins tries to break away, but Tuanzebe holds him with both arms and disrupts his movement. “The holding was not mutual.”

Axel Tuanzebe should have given away a penalty kick. BBC
How did the mistakes effect the clubs?
Counting the 18 faults is one thing, but how they have affected clubs is what really matters. We have divided these into four groups.
No effect on the outcome (8).
Eight of the errors were against the winning team.
Probably no effect on the outcome (5)
This category includes actions made late in the game that had no direct impact on the score or when the game’s situation was clear.
Fernandes’ dismissal occurred as Man United were outplayed, while Brighton’s Estupiñán and Pedro received late red cards. There’s also the penalty that should have been awarded to West Ham against Liverpool when they trailed 1-0, but Arne Slot’s team went on to win 5-0.
Also, Villa should have been awarded a penalty kick at Forest when the score was 0-0, but they went on to score the opening goal of the game. Additionally, the spot kick may not have been given due to an earlier infringement.
Possible effect on outcome (3)
These are the decisions where the game was finely balanced, and the outcome could have been different if the blunder had not occurred.
Brentford’s Nørgaard received a red card at Everton during a goalless first half, while Crystal Palace’s Maatsen should have been ejected in the 65th minute at Aston Villa. Bournemouth were reduced to ten men after leading against Manchester United, and they conceded an equalizer.
A clear effect on the outcome (2)
Bournemouth’s rejected injury-time winner against Newcastle, as well as West Ham’s crucial penalty granted against Manchester United in injury time.
It appears that Bournemouth was the most affected by decisions that could or did influence the outcome.
The statistics suggest that the most major fault has been with red-card infractions, as the VAR should have intervened on eight occasions: four red cards for serious foul play should have been overturned, and two others should have been expelled on review. There was one instance of missed aggressive conduct and one of DOGSO.
Last season, only three of the 31 errors were due to red cards.
Penalties have also been a concern, with seven spot-kick errors: six that should have been awarded and one that should have been reversed.
In 2023-24, there were 14 penalty errors. So, the VAR is getting worse at red cards while improving at penalties.
They are the faults, but what about overall VAR decisions?
Forget the mistakes; how about the VAR interventions themselves? Which club had the most refereeing mistakes that needed to be corrected?
Newcastle United leads the way with a net score of +9 from 110 initiatives. Eddie Howe’s team received 13 VAR calls in their favour, five more than any other club (Aston Villa and Brighton). They also lead the way, alongside Chelsea, in total interventions (17).
Newcastle received four penalties, the most of any club, three of which were scored.
At the opposite end of the scale, Bournemouth’s dissatisfaction with VAR is exacerbated by the fact that they have suffered the greatest effect, with 11 decisions going against them and a net score of -7.
Chelsea isn’t far behind, with 10 VAR interventions for the opposition. Does this imply that they receive more favorable treatment from referees than they deserve? Perhaps not, because Enzo Maresca has also had seven points awarded to him, bringing the net score to -3.
Arsenal has only had one VAR call this season, and it was a genuine overturn for a goal scored by Kai Havertz while onside against Leicester City.
Manchester City (4) has been noticeably idle, while Arsenal and Nottingham Forest (8) are the next lowest. Manchester City (1) has the fewest interventions against, three fewer than any other team.
What if we just looked at subjective interventions?
This is the stage at which decisions such as offside, handball before a goal is scored, and ball out of play are removed.
We’re talking about penalties, red cards, and the possibility of offside interference.
Newcastle remains at the top, with six subjective calls in their favor. However, Bournemouth has moved up to mid-table, indicating that they have had a high amount of factual calls against them.
Southampton were the most affected this time, with a referee being sent to the stands six times in favor of the opposition.
Just as notable are the clubs that have not had a single decision go in their favor — that is, the referee has not been sent to the monitor to make a decision for them at all this season.
Only Arsenal and Nottingham Forest ended the season with zero subjective interventions. It won’t be the last time we hear about Arsenal in this story.
The Gunners haven’t been very active with decisions against (2), and Forest have suffered far more (4).
Who has achieved and lost the most goals?
The most significant game changer is, of course, a goal. And it should come as no surprise that the overall VAR stats are reflected here, with Newcastle benefiting by an amazing nine goals via VAR calls. Villa are the next best beneficiaries, with a +4 goal differential.
The Magpies had six goals disallowed for the opposition, including a mistake that saved them from a late loss against Bournemouth, while they also scored four goals on three spot kicks and an inaccurate offside call.

Alexander Isak celebrates after he had a goal at Ipswich allowed after an offside flag went up. Michael Regan/Getty Images
Who has the worst goal-scoring record? Yes, it’s Bournemouth again. The Cherries have a net goal score of -6, with seven disallowed by VAR.
Leicester City leads the list in goals awarded, with five. Five clubs did not score a single goal.
Ipswich Town conceded the most goals, with five going to their opponents on review.
Another bad news for Arsenal fans: the Gunners and Leicester City were the only teams that did not have a single goal disallowed against them.
How is VAR performing year on year?
According to the statistics, VAR is on the right track… at least in terms of the KMI Panel. Errors are down 42% from previous season, from 31 to 18.
Writing about this topic on a weekly basis, it seems like there have been fewer acrimonious situations. The issue, of course, is that mere numbers do not tell the full story. The major headlines, such as VAR’s inability to intervene in Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal or to send off Tarkowski, are more devastating than proper rulings. Fans remember them more than any statistics.
PGMOL’s most important responsibility, which is not simple, is to remove those high-profile howlers that do so much reputational damage.
Even in the absence of errors, perception is everything. There will always be judgments that supporters cannot accept, like as William Saliba’s DOGSO red card at Bournemouth or Curtis Jones’ dismissal against Tottenham in 2023-24, despite the fact that they are legally right and will not appear on any list of errors.
When you have a review system that few people enjoy or believe in, the statistics do not necessarily provide a complete picture.
VAR is six years old; what does this tell us?
This season has had fewer VAR interventions (109) than any of the previous five campaigns. When you consider that missed interventions are also down, this is meant to indicate that both on-field refereeing and the video assistant are better — but try disputing that with your buddies and see how far you get.
The decreasing number of handball penalties demonstrates how the Premier League has shifted to a more forgiving interpretation during the last two seasons. In reality, the rise and fall demonstrate how the interpretation of the legislation was changed and then reversed.
The other figures have maintained within a similar range, with one notable exception in 2021-22, when 47 goals were given by interventions.
How have teams performed over the six years of VAR?
This chart shows the 13 teams that have competed in the Premier League for all six seasons with the video assistant. It displays decisions, not points.
Wolves fans will be unsurprised to see that they have by far the poorest net score: the total number of VAR interventions in their favour minus those against them. Wolves are at minus-18 (38 judgments against them, 20 for), but they concluded the season with a score of zero, thus their situation did not worsen.
Because these are overturns, we should conclude that there have been more wrong refereeing decisions in Wolves games than in those involving any other team. However, these are only the fundamental figures and do not take into account whether something was correct or incorrect.
Arsenal, with a minus-6 score this season, has begun to catch Wolves — and not in a good manner. Chelsea’s ranking as the second worst on minus-3 tells its own narrative.
And there’s Newcastle again, with a season of plus-9 propelling them to the top of the six-season standings, barely ahead of Brighton.

It will come as no surprise that Wolves fans have been against VAR for some time. Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
What about referee mistakes that did not meet the VAR threshold?
-
Blog4 months ago
Pat Kelsey sends a strong three-word fiery message to the Louisville basketball’s team after their Cardinals 14th win…
-
Blog6 months ago
Netflix releases “The Underdog,” a much-anticipated documentary about Drew Brees. slated for publication on the 25th
-
Blog4 months ago
Mikaela Shiffrin responds to cross-country skier Jessie Diggins’ letter following her failure to secure a solitary podium finish at the FIS Nordic Worlds
-
Blog2 months ago
Behind the Turns: Netflix’s Upcoming Documentary on Mikaela Shiffrin’s Fights, Fears, and Love
-
Blog4 months ago
Women’s Slalom Run 1 at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup: Are
-
Blog4 months ago
Legacy Tour Led Zeppelin has officially confirmed their 2026 reunion tour, which will be their first extensive live performances since 2007. The “Led Zeppelin Legacy Tour 2026” will begin on June 10, 2026, at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.
-
Blog6 months ago
Federica Brignone: “I’m fine, but my return to skiing is far off.”
-
Blog6 months ago
Alice Cooper: From Fragile Boy to Shock Rock Icon—Netflix Unmasks the Nightmare