VAR Controversies Explained: FA Cup Matches Lack Video Review

Debates over the exclusion of VAR technology from FA Cup fourth-round matches have sparked discussions about the role of technology in football refereeing.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:37am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric interpretation of a football match, with overlapping shapes and planes in the teams' official colors, conveying the complexity and controversy surrounding the use of VAR in the FA Cup.The lack of VAR technology in FA Cup matches has led to controversial refereeing decisions, sparking debates about the role of technology in the sport.Buffalo Today

The lack of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology in FA Cup fourth-round matches has led to several controversial decisions, including potential offside calls, reckless tackles, and penalty calls. Despite the absence of VAR, goal line technology is still in use, but only at Premier League and Championship clubs' grounds. The FA has justified its decision to exclude VAR from these matches, citing the need for a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs at the same stage of the competition. Managers and fans have expressed mixed feelings about the lack of VAR, with some arguing that it is necessary for officials, while others believe it adds unnecessary complexity to the game.

Why it matters

The VAR controversy in the FA Cup raises questions about the role of technology in football and the potential impact on match outcomes. It also invites discussion on the fairness and consistency of refereeing decisions in different competitions, as the lack of VAR could lead to inconsistencies in how rules are applied.

The details

The Aston Villa-Newcastle controversy has sparked debates about the use of VAR in FA Cup fourth-round matches. The FA has justified its decision to exclude VAR from these matches, citing the need for a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs at the same stage of the competition. However, this has led to several controversial decisions, including potential offside calls, reckless tackles, and penalty calls. While goal line technology is still in use, it is only available at Premier League and Championship clubs' grounds.

  • The FA Cup fourth-round matches were played in January 2026.

The players

Aston Villa

An English professional football club based in Birmingham.

Newcastle United

An English professional football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne.

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What they’re saying

“We must have VAR in all matches to ensure fairness and consistency for all teams.”

— Unidentified Aston Villa manager

“The lack of VAR adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the FA Cup, which is part of the competition's charm.”

— Unidentified Newcastle United fan

What’s next

The FA is expected to review the use of VAR in the FA Cup ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The VAR controversy in the FA Cup highlights the ongoing debate about the role of technology in football and the need to balance fairness, consistency, and the traditional spirit of the game.