Premier League admits game-changing Newcastle United VAR decision was wrong – plus Arsenal & West Ham calls

In total, Premier League referees were deemed to have made a total of six incorrect VAR interventions during the first four months of the campaign. According to ESPN, this includes Newcastle United’s disallowed goal in a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace back in September.

Newcastle United 0-0 Crystal Palace, September 3 – Tyrick Mitchell own goal ruled out for a foul

The Magpies thought they’d taken the lead at St James's Park as Tyrick Mitchell prodded the ball into his own net and the goal was initially awarded by on field referee Michael Salisbury before VAR intervened. VAR official Lee Mason advised a review of the goal, highlighting a potential foul by Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock on Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

The decision to award the goal was overturned despite replays showing Willock had been nudged into Guaita by Mitchell beforehand. It was a call that ultimately cost Newcastle two points.

While Palace manager Patrick Viera felt the right call was made, United head coach Eddie Howe said: “I didn’t think it should’ve been disallowed, as it was a foul, or push, on Joe Willock in the build-up to the ball coming in."

Other incorrect calls according to the Premier League panel include…

Crystal Palace 3-1 Aston Villa, August 20 – Palace awarded a penalty for handball against Lucas Digne

Palace have benefited twice from incorrect VAR calls already this season after being awarded a penalty against Aston Villa back in August. The match was finely poised at 1-1 when VAR awarded a penalty to Palace for a handball by Lucas Digne.

The spot-kick was converted by Wilfried Zaha on the rebound to put The Eagles ahead in a match they ended up winning 3-1.

Chelsea 2-1 West Ham, September 3 – Maxwel Cornet goal disallowed for a foul

West Ham were denied a point away at Chelsea as a late Maxwel Cornet equaliser was ruled out for a foul from Jarrod Bowen on Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Replays suggested that Mendy made the most of the situation though VAR felt it was a foul – incorrectly according to the Premier League panel.

Manchester United 3-1 Arsenal, September 4 – Gabriel Martinelli goal disallowed for a foul

On a controversial weekend for VAR, a third incorrect decision saw Gabriel Martinelli have an early goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up. The goal was initially given but VAR prompted a review where it was deemed Martin Odegaard had fouled Christian Eriksen.

Fulham 3-0 Aston Villa, October 20 – Douglas Luiz shown straight red card

Aston Villa were 1-0 down at Fulham when midfielder Douglas Luiz was shown a red card following a VAR intervention for allegedly head-butting Aleksandar Mitrovic. Villa went on to lose the match 3-0, which saw Steven Gerrard sacked as a result despite the call subsequently being deemed incorrect.

Nottingham Forest 2-2 Brentford, November 5 – Brentford awarded a penalty for a foul by Dean Henderson

Brentford equalised from the penalty spot at Nottingham Forest after being awarded a penalty by VAR. Dean Henderson was adjudged to have fouled Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo converted.

Of the six VAR interventions since deemed incorrect, all had game-changing consequences.