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EPL Faces VAR Uproar, Managers Push For Reforms

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The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the 2019/20 season was with the objective of eliminating blatant refereeing errors by identifying and correcting significant missed incidents during a football match.

 

While it was expected to result in more accurate and fair judgements, the English Premier League (EPL) has conceded that achieving 100% accuracy was unfeasible.

 

Nevertheless, the technology has faced severe scrutiny from Premier League managers who have grown sceptical of its effectiveness, primarily due to recent high-profile incidents that have taken the spotlight away from the actual game-play.

 

For instance, following his team’s 1-0 defeat last weekend, Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta vehemently criticized the decision to allow Newcastle’s goal to stand, denouncing it as a “disgrace.”

 

Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal underwent scrutiny for three different VAR offenses but managed to withstand all challenges, securing three points for Newcastle.

 

Arteta told Sky Sports “We didn’t deserve to lose the match. We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. A disgrace.”

 

Although Mikel Arteta’s remarks were delivered in the heat of the moment, the club issued a strong statement the following day, firmly backing their manager.

 

Arsenal said “Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.”

 

The heated aftermath of the game at St James’ Park mirrored a previous VAR controversy in the high-stakes match between Tottenham and Liverpool in late September.

 

In that game, officials incorrectly disallowed a goal from Luis Diaz due to a miscommunication regarding the on-field decision, and Tottenham eventually emerged victorious with a 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

 

The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) released the audio of the decision that led to the disallowed Diaz goal.

 

In the recording, video assistant referee Darren England initially deems the check as “perfect” but expresses frustration with a swear word when he realizes a mistake has occurred. He adds in exasperation, “They’ve restarted the game. Can’t do anything, can’t do anything.”

 

PGMOL admitted a “significant human error” and Liverpool issued a statement in which they said “sporting integrity” had been undermined.

 

“We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR,” the club said.

 

Liverpool Manager, Jurgen Klopp even went as far as to request a replay of the game. Wolves, on the other hand, have had more significant reasons to be aggrieved, as they had faced four high-profile penalty decisions that went against them, which could have had significant implications.

 

Arteta remained resolute in his stance ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Sevilla this week, emphasizing that it was the responsibility of managers to address the concerns related to the use of VAR.

 

He said “Errors are part of evolution. The trajectory is never going to be (always upwards), there are always going to be bumps in the road and these things are necessary to improve the game in the right way.

 

“But we have to talk loudly. If you have a problem and you put it in your drawer, the problem is in the drawer and it’s going to stink at some point.”

 

Chief Executive, League Managers Association, Richard Bevan, stated that coaches are eager for changes, such as the video assistant referee working consistently with the same referee each week.

 

Bevan told Daily Mail “PGMOL have confirmed to us that they are actively looking at how best to incorporate VARs into match-day refereeing teams, to ensure the dynamic between on-field referee and VAR is conducive to producing positive outcomes.

 

“The managers are also calling for a review (and simplification) of the interpretation of the term ‘clear and obvious’ in VAR decision-making, as this is a cause of much confusion at present.”

 

Henry Winter, The Times’ chief football writer, called on the Premier League to heed the voices of the club managers.

 

He said “Anyone who attends a game or watches on television knows that VAR has never been more contentious. Some grown-up debate is required. The starting point is that, love it or loathe it, VAR is here to stay.”

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Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return

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Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.

Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.

READ MORE: Chelsea Desires Permanent Deal For João Félix After Collapse Of Omorodion Deal

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.

Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.

After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.

Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.

Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca

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Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.

This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.

Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.

READ MORE: Osimhen Casts Doubts Over Touted Winter Move To Chelsea

The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.

While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.

Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.

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Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs

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RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.

This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.

READ MORE: Wizkid Breaks Spotify Records With ‘Kese (Dance)’ Release

The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.

Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.

With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.

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