VAR and Handball Penalties: A Closer Look

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system continues to be a hot topic in the Premier League, with its decisions often sparking debates among fans, players, and pundits alike. This week, we delve into two contentious handball incidents involving Marc Cucurella and Kieran Trippier, and explore why Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion were denied penalties in their respective matches.

Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Cucurella's Handball Incident

In the 12th minute of the Arsenal vs. Chelsea match, Thomas Partey attempted to play Jurriën Timber down the right flank. Marc Cucurella, in pursuit, went to ground under pressure from Timber, and the ball appeared to strike his arm. Referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to continue, and the VAR, Jarred Gillett, upheld the decision.

VAR Review: The VAR considers the player's natural movement during the play. Cucurella's arm was in a position consistent with his movement, and there was no clear, deliberate act to handle the ball. The contact was also deemed too high on the arm for a handball offense.

Verdict: No penalty. The decision aligns with the Premier League's lenient approach to handball incidents.

Carabao Cup Final: Trippier's Handball Incident

In the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool's Luis Díaz chased a long ball over the top. After the ball bounced, it touched the fingers of Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier, taking it away from Díaz. Referee John Brooks ignored the penalty appeals.

VAR Review: Trippier was running with his arms out for balance, which is justifiable. There was no clear movement of the arm toward the ball.

Verdict: No penalty. The incident did not meet the threshold for a handball offense.

Other Key VAR Decisions

Fulham vs. Tottenham: Spence's Challenge on Jiménez

In the 23rd minute, Djed Spence placed both hands on Raúl Jiménez's back as the latter jumped to head the ball. Jiménez went to ground, asking for a penalty, but referee Andy Madley ignored the claims.

VAR Review: Spence's hands were on Jiménez's back, but there was no clear push. Jiménez's leap forward seemed theatrical, and the VAR did not intervene.

Verdict: No penalty. The decision reflects the Premier League's high threshold for VAR interventions.

Manchester City vs. Brighton: Mitoma's Disallowed Goal

Brighton thought they had taken the lead in the 6th minute when Kaoru Mitoma put the ball into the net. However, referee Simon Hooper disallowed the goal for a foul on goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.

VAR Review: Ortega had both hands on the ball, and by law, a goalkeeper cannot be challenged when the ball is between their hands.

Verdict: No goal. The decision was correct, even if the goal had been allowed on the field.

Conclusion

The VAR system continues to play a crucial role in the Premier League, but its decisions often lead to debates. This week's incidents highlight the challenges of interpreting handball offenses and the high threshold for VAR interventions. As the season progresses, the consistency and accuracy of VAR decisions will remain under scrutiny.