Referees will make in-stadium announcements on the outcome of VAR reviews in the Carabao Cup semi-finals next month – a first for English football.
Decisions reviewed by the referee at the pitchside monitor, or factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements, will be announced to the crowd to help with clarity and understanding.
In-stadium announcements are common in NFL and rugby union but have not been used in English football before. The system was trialled during last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“The new pilot forms part of PGMOL’s broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of match officials and fans,” an EFL statement read.
“This latest pilot has the support of the EFL and follows earlier collaboration with PGMOL in 2018 to trial VAR in EFL competitions ahead of its introduction in the Premier League.”
Arsenal face Newcastle over two legs in the first semi-final, with the first leg to be played on January 7. Tottenham play Liverpool in the other semi, with the first leg at Spurs on January 8.
