Despite being introduced five years ago, VAR continues to stir debate regarding its use in the league on a weekly basis.
The independent Key Match Incidents panel reported 31 incorrect VAR decisions during the 2023-24 season.
In June, Premier League clubs overwhelmingly voted 19-1 in favour of keeping VAR, with Wolves prompting the only vote against it.
An independent survey commissioned by the Premier League showed that four out of five fans support retaining VAR.
The league has also launched a dedicated social media channel to clarify VAR decisions.
However, the introduction of semi-automated offside technology, which was expected this season, has been delayed until 2025.
Do you think you’ve noticed an improvement in VAR this season?
Referees’ chief Howard Webb says there has been an 80% reduction in the number of Premier League VAR errors. pic.twitter.com/SfJjcTblyI
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 17, 2024
Webb, who serves as the chief refereeing officer at the PGMOL highlighted that mistakes have drastically reduced this season.
He said: “I don’t think we managed expectations well in terms of VAR.
“We knew it would be effective for clear situations where something looks obviously wrong on the first view, and we’ve been good at catching those most of the time.
“According to the panel, there have been only two VAR mistakes this season, compared to 10 at the same point last year.
“We’ve been better at making the right calls, but we can’t get complacent.
“The key improvement has been in how much quicker it’s become.
Tomorrow on Stick to Football we have legendary referee and Chief Refereeing Officer of the PGMOL, Howard Webb! ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ynfSUzKSv4
— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) October 16, 2024
Webb noted that the average VAR delay per game has been reduced from 70 seconds last season to just 25 seconds this year.
Webb told referees not to overanalyse situations, advising them to act promptly when something is clearly wrong.
He added: “If it jumps off the screen, get involved, but if you’re analysing too much, just say ‘check complete’ and leave it with the referee on the field.”
Despite the overall progress, Webb acknowledged that mistakes still happen, citing an incident involving Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes was shown a red card during a match against Tottenham Hotspur, but VAR failed to overturn the decision despite replays showing a less serious offence.
Webb admitted: “I was frustrated that we didn’t step in to fix it. In my opinion, it was clearly wrong.”
Fernandes’ red card was later overturned on appeal, though United went on to lose 3-0 to Tottenham.
