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VAR Blunders: Premier League's Season of Errors Revealed
30 May
Summary
- Arsenal and Chelsea benefited most from refereeing mistakes.
- Total VAR errors decreased but still significantly impacted games.
- Fan surveys show mixed opinions on VAR's success and impact.
The 2025-26 Premier League season was marked by a significant number of refereeing and VAR errors, with Arsenal and Chelsea benefiting the most from these on-field and video assistant referee decisions. Arsenal, in particular, finished the season without a red card or conceding a penalty, despite data suggesting they should have faced three of each.
Across the league, there were 25 VAR errors this season, a decrease from previous years but still impactful. Chelsea gained from eight such decisions, while Bournemouth and Chelsea saw the most gains from VAR interventions, with four each. However, clubs like Crystal Palace and Everton were on the receiving end, facing three mistakes.
Fan sentiment towards VAR remains divided. While a significant portion of fans are against its use, a majority favor changes rather than outright removal. Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) acknowledged season-on-season improvements in areas like serious foul play and reduced delays, but the overall number of mistakes noted by the Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel highlights ongoing challenges.
