Referees' Performances | 2025/26

[moomba]

It’s a fundamental rule of VAR in all competitions that they must be in an enclosed area with no outside interference whatsoever. Obviously some people don’t believe that rule is adhered to but that’s what it is.

There was an article on VAR a month where one of the VAR team were saying that the commentary was focusing on a particular tackle.

So there definitely is interference.

 

[Gordyola]

There was an article on VAR a month where one of the VAR team were saying that the commentary was focusing on a particular tackle.

So there definitely is interference.

I somewhat doubt that

Its a fundamental rule of IFAB
If they were communicating with outside sources in breach of protocol it would soon be leaked

The use of VARs during a match involves the following practical arrangements:

• The VAR watches the match in the video operation room (VOR) assisted by one or more assistant VARs (AVARs)
• Depending on the number of camera angles and other considerations, there may be more than one AVAR and one or more replay operators (ROs)
• Only authorised persons are allowed to enter the VOR or communicate with the VAR/AVAR/RO during the match
• The VAR has independent access to, and replay control of, TV broadcast footage
• The VAR is connected to the communication system being used by the match officials and can hear everything they say; the VAR can only speak to the referee by pushing a button (to avoid the referee being distracted by conversations in the VOR)
• If the VAR is busy with a ‘check’ or a ‘review’, the AVAR may speak to the referee especially if the game needs to be stopped or to ensure play does not restart
• If the referee decides to view the replay footage, the VAR will select the best angle/replay speed; the referee can request other/additional angles/speeds
  
  

  Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol | IFAB

  www.theifab.com

 

[moomba]

I somewhat doubt that

Its a fundamental rule of IFAB
If they were communicating with outside sources in breach of protocol it would soon be leaked

The use of VARs during a match involves the following practical arrangements:

• The VAR watches the match in the video operation room (VOR) assisted by one or more assistant VARs (AVARs)
• Depending on the number of camera angles and other considerations, there may be more than one AVAR and one or more replay operators (ROs)
• Only authorised persons are allowed to enter the VOR or communicate with the VAR/AVAR/RO during the match
• The VAR has independent access to, and replay control of, TV broadcast footage
• The VAR is connected to the communication system being used by the match officials and can hear everything they say; the VAR can only speak to the referee by pushing a button (to avoid the referee being distracted by conversations in the VOR)
• If the VAR is busy with a ‘check’ or a ‘review’, the AVAR may speak to the referee especially if the game needs to be stopped or to ensure play does not restart
• If the referee decides to view the replay footage, the VAR will select the best angle/replay speed; the referee can request other/additional angles/speeds
  
  

  Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol | IFAB

  www.theifab.com

Perhaps the referee that was quoted in the article was confused.

 

[hampshireblue]

I somewhat doubt that

Its a fundamental rule of IFAB
If they were communicating with outside sources in breach of protocol it would soon be leaked

The use of VARs during a match involves the following practical arrangements:

• The VAR watches the match in the video operation room (VOR) assisted by one or more assistant VARs (AVARs)
• Depending on the number of camera angles and other considerations, there may be more than one AVAR and one or more replay operators (ROs)
• Only authorised persons are allowed to enter the VOR or communicate with the VAR/AVAR/RO during the match
• The VAR has independent access to, and replay control of, TV broadcast footage
• The VAR is connected to the communication system being used by the match officials and can hear everything they say; the VAR can only speak to the referee by pushing a button (to avoid the referee being distracted by conversations in the VOR)
• If the VAR is busy with a ‘check’ or a ‘review’, the AVAR may speak to the referee especially if the game needs to be stopped or to ensure play does not restart
• If the referee decides to view the replay footage, the VAR will select the best angle/replay speed; the referee can request other/additional angles/speeds
  
  

  Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol | IFAB

  www.theifab.com

It's a bit loose. It doesn't specifically say VAR can't hear the commentary. VAR hearing is different to "communicating" especially bearing in mind independent access to TV coverage.

 

[blue b4 the moon]

All I'll say on interference & even the pundits in the Skybox, is they know before the result is broadcast.

On numerous occasions a second or so before the ref gives the signal they call it & I've seen Micah bouncing about the Skybox from the SS 4/5 seconds before a decision has been given.

Neither of those things happening are healthy.

 

[RobinHood]

All I'll say on interference & even the pundits in the Skybox, is they know before the result is broadcast.

On numerous occasions a second or so before the ref gives the signal they call it & I've seen Micah bouncing about the Skybox from the SS 4/5 seconds before a decision has been given.

Neither of those things happening are healthy.

The broadcasters aren't rushing to report this just to claim they heard it first; there is something far more shady going on behind the scenes.

 

[the-ecstacy-of-eight]

I somewhat doubt that

Its a fundamental rule of IFAB
If they were communicating with outside sources in breach of protocol it would soon be leaked

The use of VARs during a match involves the following practical arrangements:

• The VAR watches the match in the video operation room (VOR) assisted by one or more assistant VARs (AVARs)
• Depending on the number of camera angles and other considerations, there may be more than one AVAR and one or more replay operators (ROs)
• Only authorised persons are allowed to enter the VOR or communicate with the VAR/AVAR/RO during the match
• The VAR has independent access to, and replay control of, TV broadcast footage
• The VAR is connected to the communication system being used by the match officials and can hear everything they say; the VAR can only speak to the referee by pushing a button (to avoid the referee being distracted by conversations in the VOR)
• If the VAR is busy with a ‘check’ or a ‘review’, the AVAR may speak to the referee especially if the game needs to be stopped or to ensure play does not restart
• If the referee decides to view the replay footage, the VAR will select the best angle/replay speed; the referee can request other/additional angles/speeds
  
  

  Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol | IFAB

  www.theifab.com

So why didn't they deem the camera angle of MGW bringing down NOR worthy of showing during the match; allowing Dick'ed Dyche to spout his shit and set the week-long narrative; but MotD (viewed by what percentage of football fans these days?) analyse it and show the gravel-gurgler up for the one-eyed prick that he is?

They pick and choose which angles are available for the ref to re-watch, and it's not by accident which of these views they base their opinions on. It's rarely "the best angle".

Corrupt as fuck and no amount of "professional guidelines" will un-muddy their deliberately muddied waters.

 

[Gordyola]

So why didn't they deem the camera angle of MGW bringing down NOR worthy of showing during the match; allowing Dick'ed Dyche to spout his shit and set the week-long narrative; but MotD (viewed by what percentage of football fans these days?) analyse it and show the gravel-gurgler up for the one-eyed prick that he is?

They pick and choose which angles are available for the ref to re-watch, and it's not by accident which of these views they base their opinions on. It's rarely "the best angle".

Corrupt as fuck and no amount of "professional guidelines" will un-muddy their deliberately muddied waters.

We don’t know what they look at and rarely hear the two way communication between VAR world and onfield officials unlike other sports Webb has lobbied IFAB to make it available but they have refused This is why people believe there is some bias / corruption call it what you may
All the camera angles are available one explanation as to why they decided the famous possible handball by Rodri at Goodson wasn’t given is that from all angles available they could determine for sure it was handball

For what’s it worth I believe that there is some bias as it’s been clearly illustrated recently in the issues about time added on and when the whistle is blow to end the half

 

[Norman kneejerk]

So why didn't they deem the camera angle of MGW bringing down NOR worthy of showing during the match; allowing Dick'ed Dyche to spout his shit and set the week-long narrative; but MotD (viewed by what percentage of football fans these days?) analyse it and show the gravel-gurgler up for the one-eyed prick that he is?

They pick and choose which angles are available for the ref to re-watch, and it's not by accident which of these views they base their opinions on. It's rarely "the best angle".

Corrupt as fuck and no amount of "professional guidelines" will un-muddy their deliberately muddied waters.

Sky do it too. Show stupid distant wrong side angles when hiding something.

 

[Colin Bells Boots]

So a ref who gave 20 fouls against Dyche gets no criticism from him or the pundits. It’s a fucking joke because it has an affect. When have we been awarded so many free kicks?

The Sunderland game was reffed equally by Gillet but not to the laws of the game or how other teams are reffed. Decisions should be given without considering the underdog, the home team, the media, the occasion. They decided that game they’ll allow heavy tackles & let the game flow whilst not disciplining time wasting. Now who does that benefit?

Sadly such performances by PiGMOL reps are repeated ad nauseum, with no attempt to achieve consistency for whichever teams are involved.

 

[the-ecstacy-of-eight]

We don’t know what they look at and rarely hear the two way communication between VAR world and onfield officials unlike other sports Webb has lobbied IFAB to make it available but they have refused This is why people believe there is some bias / corruption call it what you may
All the camera angles are available one explanation as to why they decided the famous possible handball by Rodri at Goodson wasn’t given is that from all angles available they could determine for sure it was handball

For what’s it worth I believe that there is some bias as it’s been clearly illustrated recently in the issues about time added on and when the whistle is blow to end the half

My first paragraph was a bit ranty as VAR has nothing to do with what we see on our screens...

BUT, "the best angle" is a fallacy, there is no singular best angle, EVER. The only way to view any incident again is through watching ALL the angles. Otherwise we're left with pictures of me, singularly holding up that tower somewhere in Italy and stopping it from falling over.

They generally pick the angle which "shows" incidents in their worst light (or best, depending on who the incident involves;), how ANY self respecting referee allows this manipulation and signs it off as their own decision is beyond be. The only conclusion is that there is no self respect in regards to their "professional standards".

 

[Colin Bells Boots]

My first paragraph was a bit ranty as VAR has nothing to do with what we see on our screens...

BUT, "the best angle" is a fallacy, there is no singular best angle, EVER. The only way to view any incident again is through watching ALL the angles. Otherwise we're left with pictures of me, singularly holding up that tower somewhere in Italy and stopping it from falling over.

They generally pick the angle which "shows" incidents in their worst light (or best, depending on who the incident involves;), how ANY self respecting referee allows this manipulation and signs it off as their own decision is beyond be. The only conclusion is that there is no self respect in regards to their "professional standards".

Or integrity judging by the performances that City regularly witness !

 

[richardtheref]

Gillette today awarding 2 goal kicks to utd that were clearly corners to Leeds. Also warned the Leeds keeper for time wasting. He took 12 seconds less than the next utd goal kicks. Not a word said to the utd keeper

 

[Gordyola]

My first paragraph was a bit ranty as VAR has nothing to do with what we see on our screens...

BUT, "the best angle" is a fallacy, there is no singular best angle, EVER. The only way to view any incident again is through watching ALL the angles. Otherwise we're left with pictures of me, singularly holding up that tower somewhere in Italy and stopping it from falling over.

They generally pick the angle which "shows" incidents in their worst light (or best, depending on who the incident involves;), how ANY self respecting referee allows this manipulation and signs it off as their own decision is beyond be. The only conclusion is that there is no self respect in regards to their "professional standards".

Absolutely agree and they should stop the slow motion freeze frame and frame by frame viewing that’s not real life

 

[ono]

I somewhat doubt that

Its a fundamental rule of IFAB
If they were communicating with outside sources in breach of protocol it would soon be leaked

The use of VARs during a match involves the following practical arrangements:

• The VAR watches the match in the video operation room (VOR) assisted by one or more assistant VARs (AVARs)
• Depending on the number of camera angles and other considerations, there may be more than one AVAR and one or more replay operators (ROs)
• Only authorised persons are allowed to enter the VOR or communicate with the VAR/AVAR/RO during the match
• The VAR has independent access to, and replay control of, TV broadcast footage
• The VAR is connected to the communication system being used by the match officials and can hear everything they say; the VAR can only speak to the referee by pushing a button (to avoid the referee being distracted by conversations in the VOR)
• If the VAR is busy with a ‘check’ or a ‘review’, the AVAR may speak to the referee especially if the game needs to be stopped or to ensure play does not restart
• If the referee decides to view the replay footage, the VAR will select the best angle/replay speed; the referee can request other/additional angles/speeds
  
  

  Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol | IFAB

  www.theifab.com

"The VAR has independent access to, and replay control of, TV broadcast footage" - you would think it would clearly clarify that it is comms-free if that is the case.

I'm not sure the part you have highlighted has any relevance to whether or not the VAR officials can hear broadcast commentary.

 

[ono]

We don’t know what they look at and rarely hear the two way communication between VAR world and onfield officials unlike other sports Webb has lobbied IFAB to make it available but they have refused This is why people believe there is some bias / corruption call it what you may
All the camera angles are available one explanation as to why they decided the famous possible handball by Rodri at Goodson wasn’t given is that from all angles available they could determine for sure it was handball

For what’s it worth I believe that there is some bias as it’s been clearly illustrated recently in the issues about time added on and when the whistle is blow to end the half

I still don't think it's clear that it was handball as none of the angles clearly demonstrate that the ball didn't connect with the sleeve - which iirc was the rule. It feels like PGMOL bowed to constant peer pressure by releasing their statement tbh.

 

[Gordyola]

"The VAR has independent access to, and replay control of, TV broadcast footage" - you would think it would clearly clarify that it is comms-free if that is the case.

I'm not sure the part you have highlighted has any relevance to whether or not the VAR officials can hear broadcast commentary.

If you click the link all the information is there

Only authorised persons are allowed to enter the VOR or communicate with the VAR/AVAR/RO during the match

VAR officials (Video Assistant Referees) do not have contact with the general "outside world" like fans or commentators during live play; their communication is strictly limited to the match officials (referee, assistants) via a dedicated comms system, with information relayed to broadcasters and stadiums only after a review or when a decision changes, ensuring a controlled environment and preventing chaotic, real-time audio. They work from a Video Operation Room (VOR) and focus solely on "silent checks" and recommending reviews for clear and obvious errors in key situations like goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity, as per IFAB rules.

 

[blue b4 the moon]

Played 45 seconds over the added time in the rags game.....just sayin'

 

[Gordyola]

The broadcasters aren't rushing to report this just to claim they heard it first; there is something far more shady going on behind the scenes.

The broadcasters are informed of the decision I can see the commentator screens at the ground and you can see the offside decision I’m guessing the ref and VAR are clarifying before the announcement because of the error in the Spuds V Scousers when there was a mis-communication

 

[RobinHood]

The broadcasters are informed of the decision I can see the commentator screens at the ground and you can see the offside decision I’m guessing the ref and VAR are clarifying before the announcement because of the error in the Spuds V Scousers when there was a mis-communication

OK thanks. Not that it makes a difference but I'd rather the decision announced by the officials not Gary Ratboy Neville.