Newcastle will be a part of a VAR-based trial in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
VAR has not been used at all in the competition this season, only coming into effect in the semi-final stage as has been the case since 2019/20, but will be implemented in a different manner this time round.
Both legs of our clash with Arsenal and the Spurs v Liverpool tie will see a new criteria come into play.
EFL release VAR statement ahead of semi-finals
A statement from the EFL 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. The winner of each tie will progress to the Final which will take place at Wembley on Sunday 16 March.”
It’s a long-requested and logical addition to the VAR system that has often left those in attendance clueless as to what is being checked, and will finally help to give clarity as to why decisions have been made.
Saka out but two Mags suspended
Newcastle were handed a massive boost in their bid to reach a second Carabao Cup final in three seasons with Bukayo Saka set to miss both legs.
The Arsenal winger suffered a hamstring injury in the Gunners 5-1 win over Crystal Palace that will see him ruled out until March, with Mikel Arteta’s side looking somewhat toothless without the Englishmen as they scraped a 1-0 win over Ipswich.
It’s advantage Eddie Howe in that regard, but the Toon gaffer has to deal with a selection issue of his own. Both Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar will be unavailable for the Magpies in the first leg owing to yellow card accumulation – a massive blow in getting our attacks started.
