VAR law change on the cards for Newcastle United and Premer League rivals after Arsenal controversy
A VAR review overturned West Ham’s 95th-minute equalizer against Arsenal for grappling at a corner, reigniting debate over Premier League corner rules and potential law changes. The Premier League, Newcastle United, and rivals are now pushing for discussions by football’s rule-makers, with IFAB expected to address the issue this autumn." "article": "A VAR review by Darren England led to the disallowance of West Ham’s 95th-minute equalizer against Arsenal on Sunday, after referee Chris Kavanagh ruled that Pablo Fornals’ arm placement on goalkeeper David Raya constituted a foul. The decision, which sparked controversy, came after a near five-minute delay while officials reviewed footage, ultimately overturning Callum Wilson’s goal. West Ham has announced plans to lodge a formal complaint with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMO), arguing that corner rules have been inconsistently applied throughout the Premier League season. The incident has intensified calls for a review of corner protocols, particularly regarding grappling and player positioning near the goal area. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), responsible for global football laws, is expected to discuss the issue during its next meeting this autumn. In February, IFAB director Ian Maxwell acknowledged concerns, stating that while the problem wasn’t worsening, different regions and players handle set-piece situations differently. He emphasized that match officials retain discretion to enforce rules as they see fit. Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann proposed a potential solution, suggesting that attacking players should be restricted from entering the goal area before corners are taken. This would reduce physical contact and skirmishing before the ball is in play, as defenders cannot be penalized for fouls on an out-of-play ball. Cann has advocated for this rule change for three years, arguing it would simplify enforcement and minimize disputes. The controversy has broader implications for the Premier League’s title and relegation battles, with Newcastle United and other clubs now closely monitoring potential rule adjustments. PGMO chief refereeing officer Howard Webb is set to address the incident in an upcoming episode of *Match Officials Mic’d Up* on Sky Sports, offering further clarity on the decision-making process.
A VAR review by Darren England led to the disallowance of West Ham’s 95th-minute equalizer against Arsenal on Sunday, after referee Chris Kavanagh ruled that Pablo Fornals’ arm placement on goalkeeper David Raya constituted a foul. The decision, which sparked controversy, came after a near five-minute delay while officials reviewed footage, ultimately overturning Callum Wilson’s goal. West Ham has announced plans to lodge a formal complaint with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMO), arguing that corner rules have been inconsistently applied throughout the Premier League season. The incident has intensified calls for a review of corner protocols, particularly regarding grappling and player positioning near the goal area. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), responsible for global football laws, is expected to discuss the issue during its next meeting this autumn. In February, IFAB director Ian Maxwell acknowledged concerns, stating that while the problem wasn’t worsening, different regions and players handle set-piece situations differently. He emphasized that match officials retain discretion to enforce rules as they see fit. Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann proposed a potential solution, suggesting that attacking players should be restricted from entering the goal area before corners are taken. This would reduce physical contact and skirmishing before the ball is in play, as defenders cannot be penalized for fouls on an out-of-play ball. Cann has advocated for this rule change for three years, arguing it would simplify enforcement and minimize disputes. The controversy has broader implications for the Premier League’s title and relegation battles, with Newcastle United and other clubs now closely monitoring potential rule adjustments. PGMO chief refereeing officer Howard Webb is set to address the incident in an upcoming episode of *Match Officials Mic’d Up* on Sky Sports, offering further clarity on the decision-making process.
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