Newcastle Fans Left Frustrated as VAR Misses Key Decision in FA Cup Derby

Newcastle fans were left feeling aggrieved after a controversial incident involving Alexander Isak and Daniel Ballard during the FA Cup derby against bitter rivals Sunderland. Isak was brought down by Ballard in the first half, but the challenge was not checked by VAR at the Stadium of Light. The lack of a video replay caused confusion among viewers, but it begs the question: does the FA Cup have VAR this season?

VAR: Select Grounds Only

While the technology is being used in the FA Cup this season, it is only available in select grounds. Unfortunately for Sunderland and other clubs outside of the Premier League, they are not licensed to use VAR. Only Premier League stadiums are currently permitted to use the technology, with infrastructure and staffing costs cited as the main obstacles preventing its rollout in other grounds across the country. This means that matches played at Premier League home grounds in the FA Cup will have VAR, leading to complaints about its fairness.

FA's Response to Complaints

Last year, the FA responded to complaints about the limited use of VAR in the competition. They stated, "Video assistant referees provide match officials with additional support and should be utilized wherever possible. However, only Premier League stadiums are currently licensed to use VAR due to the infrastructure, workforce, and costs that are required." Despite its controversial nature, VAR has already made an impact in this season's FA Cup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin controversially sent off in the first tie of round three against Crystal Palace.

Carabao Cup Confusion

Similar confusion surrounds the use of VAR in the Carabao Cup. In this competition, VAR is not used in the early rounds but is introduced for the semi-finals and finals.