Football fans have become accustomed to debating the use of technology in the game over recent years – but in the FA Cup fourth round, its absence has provided a frequent talking point.
With video assistant referee technology only in use from the fifth round onwards this season, there have been a number of controversial incidents to dissect.
Some liked VAR’s absence, such as Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, whose side might have had their winner against Chelsea disallowed for a Tariq Lamptey handball.
“But that’s it. That’s football,” he told BBC Sport. “With VAR, football is getting not that emotional like it was today.
“Everyone agrees with me that today was a great atmosphere. You can celebrate a goal because you are certain it’s a goal. I’m happy it was like that.”
Some were less convinced, including his Chelsea counterpart Enzo Maresca – whose side might still be in the FA Cup with VAR.
“I think the handball is quite clear. In the last two or three days, there were many different moments in different games that, without VAR, sometimes are more complicated,” said Maresca.
However he added: “Sometimes even with VAR, you never know if it’s [going to be given as] handball or not. I don’t know. This season we saw so many handballs and the VAR was not there.”
Even Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim admitted Harry Maguire’s dramatic late winner against Leicester City in the round’s first tie on Friday was offside and should not have stood.
There were several further high-profile incidents during Saturday’s matches, and there are still five games to be played over the next three days.
So, what’s going on with VAR in the FA Cup – and why?
Why is there no VAR in the FA Cup fourth round?
The Football Association confirmed in December that VAR technology would only be introduced from the fifth round onwards to ensure a “consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition”.
Because of infrastructure and operational costs, VAR had previously only been used at Premier League grounds, and at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals and final.
There have been 13 VAR mistakes in the Premier League so far this season – down from 20 at the same point last term – say league bosses.
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.
That includes at St Andrew’s, where Newcastle United beat Birmingham City after Joe Willock’s controversial equaliser was judged to have crossed the line.
“I think it’s refreshing they had no VAR and I wish they had this throughout the competition,” former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given said on BBC One following that match.
“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].”
