Premier League referees have reportedly "lost faith" in the semi-automated offside technology introduced last season, with officials expressing dissatisfaction over persistent teething problems and significant delays. The Genius system, implemented by the top flight, has faced criticism for its reliability, leading to calls for a potential switch in providers.
Controversial Incident Sparks Outrage
According to reports, referees' concerns came to a head during the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Manchester City and Newcastle United at St James' Park. A goal by Antoine Semenyo was disallowed after a lengthy five-minute and 40-second review, where Erling Haaland was judged offside for seeking an advantage. This delay infuriated fans, television viewers, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who later voiced his frustration publicly.
Technical Flaws Exposed
The Genius technology has shown particular weaknesses in scenarios where the goalkeeper is not the last defender, such as when Nick Pope became the offside line. In such cases, the system struggles to adapt, forcing VAR officials like Stuart Attwell to intervene manually using Hawk-Eye technology to draw lines on screen. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) confirmed that the technology failed to rule on the offside partly due to player crowding around the ball.
Referees Push for Change
Referees have been uneasy about the system for some time, but the Newcastle incident solidified their stance, prompting demands for the Premier League to consider alternative providers. Currently, Genius Sports holds the contract for semi-automated offsides, while Hawk-Eye serves as a contractor for other VAR needs, creating a dual-system setup at Stockley Park.
No Guarantee of Improvement
However, switching to Hawk-Eye may not offer an immediate solution. Their technology has also faced issues, such as an eight-minute delay in disallowing a goal during Barcelona's Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid, highlighting that no provider has perfected the process yet.
System Details and Broader Implications
The Genius system employs a network of 30 iPhones around stadiums, capturing 100 frames per second, whereas other VAR uses rely on broadcaster footage. This separation of technologies has led to operational complexities. Guardiola's post-match rant underscored broader frustrations with VAR consistency, referencing past incidents like penalties and fouls that went unaddressed.
As the debate continues, the Premier League faces pressure to address these technological shortcomings to maintain the integrity and pace of the game, with referees advocating for a more reliable system to support critical offside decisions.
