Premier League 2024-25 Identifies 18 VAR Mistakes, Newcastle Best Beneficiary

The 2024-25 Premier League season saw a reduction in VAR errors, with the Key Match Incidents panel identifying 18 mistakes, down from 30 the previous year, signaling some improvement in the technology's application. Despite this progress, Premier League clubs called for enhanced referee training, fixed VAR teams, reduced delays, and better communication with fans to address ongoing issues. Newcastle United notably benefitted the most from VAR decisions, achieving a net positive impact of nine decisions, which contributed to their Champions League qualification despite an inconsistent season. Arsenal, while involved in several contentious decisions, were officially found to have only one incorrect VAR decision against them, finishing second behind Liverpool. The first VAR error of the season involved Bournemouth’s striker Ouattara, whose disallowed goal was unanimously deemed a mistake by the panel, an early example of VAR's influence on key outcomes. Overall, the VAR system remains a divisive element in the Premier League, with clubs seeking further refinements to balance fairness and game flow.