Why is there no VAR in the FA Cup fourth round?

In order to maintain a “consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition,” the Football Association announced in December that VAR technology will only be implemented starting with the fifth round.

Previously, VAR was only utilised at Premier League stadiums and at Wembley for the FA Cup semifinals and final due to infrastructure and operating charges.

According to league executives, there have been 13 VAR errors in the Premier League thus far this season, compared to 20 at the same point last season.

However, to confuse matters, goalline technology has been in use at Premier League and Championship grounds – where the infrastructure exists – in this year’s competition, despite not being available everywhere.

Newcastle United defeated Birmingham City at St Andrew’s, where Joe Willock’s contentious equaliser was deemed to have gone too far.

“I think it’s refreshing they had no VAR and I wish they had this throughout the competition,” Shay Given, the former goalie for Newcastle, stated on BBC One after the game.

“If there was any doubt, you have to give Birmingham the benefit of the doubt, but the linesman was adamant [that Willock’s shot crossed the line].”

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