2 weeks Ago
Harry Maguire’s controversial late goal in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round highlighted the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to the fore once again. The English centre-back headed home a Bruno Fernandes free-kick in stoppage time to help the Red Devils book a place in the fifth round. However, video replays showed the defender in an offside position.
With VAR not present in the fourth round, Maguire’s sucker punch knocked out the Foxes from the cup competition, which left the Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy angered. “This was half a meter (offside). Then extra time, stay in the game, you never know what happens.
We deserved to go into extra time and maybe penalties. Decisions like these in our level are hard to swallow,” the former United striker said after the loss. Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards,’ the FA confirmed in a statement.
‘It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds. ‘VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation. ‘This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.
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