Referee Stuart Attwell makes FIRST EVER in-stadium VAR announcement during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool – as official reveals why Dominic Solanke’s goal was ruled out
Stuart Attwell became the first referee to announce a VAR decision live inside a stadium in England during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool.
Dominic Solanke had thought he put the hosts ahead in the 76th minute when he capitalised on Pedro Porro’s through ball before he slotted past Alisson.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, it was ruled that Solanke was ahead of Liverpool’s deepest defender Trent Alexander-Arnold – and therefore the goal was ruled out.
And, in a new in-stadium trial of VAR announcements for both semi-finals in the Carabao Cup, Attwell subsequently revealed the reason for the goal being disallowed to the crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The official blew his whistle, before he added: ‘After a review Dominic Solanke was in an offside position,’ as his words sounded over the tannoy inside the ground.
There was a predictable level of frustration from the home supporters as boos rang out after the explanation.
Stuart Attwell became the first referee to announce a VAR decision live inside a stadium
Dominic Solanke thought he had given Spurs the lead, but it was ruled that he was offside
As part of a trial, Attwell subsequently blew his whistle before explaining why it was disallowed
It was announced last month that the trial was set run over both legs of the semi-finals – with Arsenal taking on Newcastle during the first leg of the other final four clash on Tuesday night.
The Magpies won the match 2-0 to shock the Gunners at the Emirates, yet no decisions were referred to VAR, meaning referee John Brooks did not have to announce any of his decisions inside the stadium.
Attwell will go down as having achieved a first in English football, with the EFL revealing ahead of the ties that referees would be required to announce the final VAR decision after taking a trip to the pitchside monitor or upon the conclusion of factual matters as part of the trial.
A full statement from the EFL explaining what would happen read: ‘VAR will be in place for this season’s Carabao Cup Semi-Finals, along with the first use of in-stadium VAR announcements in English football.
‘As part of the trial, referees will announce (over the stadium public address system) the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor, or upon the conclusion of factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements. Only the final decision will be announced in the stadium.
‘In-stadium VAR announcements have already been successfully introduced in several FIFA events, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and aim to provide greater clarity and understanding around key decisions to supporters in the stadiums and those watching from home.
‘The new pilot forms part of PGMOL’s broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of Match Officials and fans. This latest pilot has the support of the EFL and follows earlier collaboration with PGMOL in 2018 to trial VAR in EFL competitions ahead of its introduction in the Premier League.
‘The trial will run over both legs of the Arsenal v Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool Semi-Final ties, with the first legs taking place at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 7 January and at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday 8 January.’
Spurs went onto win the clash 1-0 thanks to Lucas Bergvall’s late goal, which came after more good work from Solanke.
The second leg of the tie will take place at Anfield on Thursday, February 6.
