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Officials at the Premier League have revealed that VAR has made six game-changing "wrong decisions" this season. Aston Villa twice fell afoul of these incorrect VAR decisions while Crystal Palace benefitted from bad calls on two occasions.
A review by an independent panel, which comprised of three former players and representatives from the Premier League and referee's body PGMOL, concluded that six errors had been made from 48 overturned decisions in games prior to the World Cup.
ESPN have reported that one of those includes Gabriel Martinelli's 12th minute strike during Arsenal's trip to Manchester United, which would have put the Gunners 1-0 up at Old Trafford.
VAR assistant for that day, Lee Mason, advised on-pitch referee Paul Tierney that the goal should have been ruled out for a foul on Christian Eriksen in the build-up to the goal, however the goal should have stood all along. United went on to win the game that day 3-1.
The assessment also ruled that Maxwell Cornet's stoppage time equaliser against Chelsea - in a game they lost 2-1 - as Jarrod Bowen was wrongly adjudged to have fouled Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the build up to the goal.
Here were the VAR decisions the independent panel ruled were incorrect:
- Penalty conceded by Lucas Digne (Aston Villa) against Crystal Palace
- Maxwel Cornet (West Ham) equaliser against Chelsea disallowed
- Turick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) own goal chalked off after perceived Newcastle foul
- Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) goal against Man United disallowed for perceived foul in build-up
- Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa) red card against Fulham
- Penalty awarded to Brentford against Nottingham Forest
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It comes as Howard Webb prepares to take on his new role as the PGMOL's chief refereeing officer, with his main assignment listed as improving the standards at grounds and in the VAR centre at Stockley Park.
A dedicated VAR coach has also been appointed to work with officials to improve their knowledge of the technology and ensure that all mistakes are eradicated.
Webb will also plan to meet with all 20 top flight clubs in the new year to discuss the use of VAR.
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