Lee Mason quits after VAR incident: What can coaches expect from the refs behind the screens?
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When video assistant refereeing (VAR) was rolled out across the Premier League in 2019, few could have expected the furore and controversy it would cause. It seems that every week there is some new VAR-related scandal, with accusations ranging from incompetence to full-on corruption being levied at all parties.
It has been perhaps the most tumultuous period VAR has seen since it first arrived on these shores. So furious was the backlash, that official Lee Mason was driven to resign from his post. How did this happen? What does it tell us about VAR and its relationship with the game, and what can coaches expect from VAR officials? Let’s find out.
Arsenal v Brentford
Arsenal took on Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on February 11, as the Gunners looked to further secure their position at the top of the Premier League table. Things didn’t go to plan. Arsenal came up against a highly organised and motivated Bretford side, who kept the Gunners out before a Trossard breakthrough in the 66th minute. However, Ivan Toney levelled things for Arsenal just eight minutes later, and Brentford saw the game out to a draw.
This game was the Premier League summed up to a T. Arsenal, who had been flying, were stumped by a team many thought they would steamroller. It’s this unpredictability that makes the league so popular. Click here to get tickets and experience the thrill of a game for yourself.
However, the controversy surrounded Brantford’s equaliser. Upon review, it’s clear to see that Brentford player Ethan Pinnock is in an offside position in the lead-up to Toney’s goal. This is something that VAR is designed to pick up, with the technology often criticised for its pinpoint accuracy when detecting offsides. As it turns out, VAR official Lee Mason simply forgot to draw the correct offside lines when reviewing the goal at the time, which allowed the goal to stand and seriously dented Arsenal’s title dreams.
Arsenal staff and fans were furious. The criticism afterwards eventually resulted in Mason resigning from his position as a VAR official, a surprising move that caught many people off guard.
West Ham v Chelsea
That same afternoon, West Ham held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium, in a game also marred by apparent VAR incompetence. An 89th-minute strike from Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher was blocked by the hand of Tomas Soucek. After a VAR review, no penalty was awarded, and Chelsea were denied the chance to secure a much-needed three points.
The decision not to award a penalty has been widely criticised, as it’s clear to see it’s a direct infringement of the rules. This is just another in a long line of VAR-related incidents, with many noting they seem to be getting more, not less, frequent.
What can coaches expect from VAR officials?
VAR is meant to make the referees' job easier. But at the end of the day, we need to remember that the technology is still operated by people, so the chance for human error will never be fully eliminated. The quicker clubs and fans accept this, the quicker we can overcome our doubts and appreciate the true benefits of VAR.
