Premier League supporters who have spent the first half of the season raging at Video Assistant Referee decisions have fresh ammunition, after official data confirmed a significant rise in errors. The league's Key Match Incidents panel has identified 13 major VAR mistakes between August and December, marking a worrying 30 percent increase from the 10 recorded in the same period last season.
The Rising Tide of VAR Controversy
The independent KMI panel, which includes three former players and coaches alongside Premier League and PGMOL representatives, reviews every match. Their findings show the most common error is the VAR failing to intervene when they should, with these 'missed interventions' rising from seven last season to 11 this term. Incorrect interventions have slightly decreased, from three to two.
Overall, the number of on-field decisions overturned by VAR has fallen by 17 percent, from 57 to 47. Meanwhile, incidents where VAR stepped in without meeting the 'clear and obvious' threshold have increased from 12 to 15. The panel also noted 15 'secondary' errors, up from 12 last season.
A Club-by-Club Breakdown of the 13 Errors
The detailed analysis reveals which teams have gained and lost from incorrect calls. Chelsea are the biggest beneficiaries, with three errors going in their favour and none against them. Bournemouth have seen two mistakes for and two against, with defender Marcos Senesi involved in two controversial reprieves.
Newcastle have gained from two errors without suffering any, while the opposite is true for Manchester United. Liverpool, Fulham, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, and Brighton have each been negatively impacted by one incorrect call. Brentford also fall into the negative category on balance.
Tottenham, West Ham, and Arsenal are all 'plus one', meaning they have benefited from one more error in their favour than against them. Clubs not mentioned have a neutral balance.
The 13 Key Mistakes Listed by the Panel
1. Senesi's Handball vs Liverpool: In the season's opening game, Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi swatted the ball away with his arm, denying Hugo Ekitike a clear run on goal. VAR Michael Oliver reviewed only an initial accidental touch, missing the deliberate action. The panel voted 1-4 that both on-field and VAR officials were wrong.
2. King's Disallowed Goal for Fulham vs Chelsea: A sensational strike by Fulham's Josh King was chalked off for a foul in the build-up by Rodrigo Muniz. The panel unanimously (5-0) deemed this the wrong call.
3. Bueno Penalty Denial for Wolves vs Everton: Hugo Bueno was fouled by Iliman Ndiaye, but Michael Oliver played on and VAR did not intervene. The panel largely agreed (1-4 on-field, 2-3 VAR) this was a mistake.
4. Collins Escapes Red for Brentford vs Man United: Brentford's Nathan Collins pulled back Bryan Mbeumo, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. He received only a yellow. The panel unanimously (0-5) said it should have been red.
5. Gusto's High Boot for Chelsea vs Brighton: Malo Gusto's high clearance made contact with Yankuba Minteh's head. No foul was given, but the panel unanimously (0-5) believed there was 'clear contact'.
6. Senesi's Second Let-off vs Crystal Palace: Senesi fouled Ismaila Sarr, denying a goalscoring opportunity, but received only a yellow. Referee Jarred Gillett checked the monitor but stuck with his decision. The panel was split 3-2.
7. Burn's Unpunished Foul on Ouattara (Brentford vs Newcastle): Dan Burn fouled Dango Ouattara in the box. The panel unanimously said it was a penalty (0-5), but was split (2-3) on whether VAR should have intervened.
8. Kilman's Handball vs Bournemouth: West Ham's Max Kilman deliberately handled to swipe the ball away from Evanilson. A penalty was given, but the panel believed (0-5) his deliberate action warranted a red card, not a yellow.
9. Schar's Challenge on Foden (Newcastle vs Man City): Fabian Schar's studs-up challenge on Phil Foden went unpunished. The panel surprisingly voted only 2-3 that it was an error by both the referee and VAR.
10. Agbadou's Handball for Wolves vs Man United: Wolves defender Ismael Agbadou handled a goal-bound shot. The panel unanimously said the referee was wrong (0-5) and largely (1-4) felt VAR should have intervened.
11. Saliba's Uncalled Foul on Barry (Everton vs Arsenal): William Saliba fouled Thierno Barry in the box. The panel narrowly voted (2-3) that Everton should have had a penalty.
12. Gusto's Handball vs Bournemouth: In a 2-2 draw, the Chelsea defender's arm, in an unnatural position, blocked the ball. The panel felt (1-4) it was handball, but VAR Craig Pawson disagreed.
13. Romero's Tackle on Thiago (Brentford vs Tottenham): Cristian Romero took out Igor Thiago, who was through on goal. With no covering defenders, it was a denial of a goalscoring opportunity. The panel voted 2-3 that it should have been a red card.
What the Data Means for the Premier League
The rising error count will intensify the debate around VAR's implementation in England's top flight. While the technology aims to increase accuracy, the 30% uptick in mistakes suggests significant growing pains remain. The data provides concrete examples for clubs and fans who have felt aggrieved, and places renewed pressure on PGMOL to improve consistency and communication in the season's second half.
