Many eyebrows would have been raised when Tammy Abraham's goal for Aston Villa against Newcastle was allowed to stand. After all, it looked blatantly offside.
However, this was not a VAR gaffe, but instead a simple mistake by the officials. Indeed, as the game was part of the FA Cup fourth round, there was no VAR in use. Meaning the linesman and referee could not rely on the technology to correct their mistake.
No VAR in Fourth Round of FA Cup
As explained by the BBC Sport, VAR and semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) has not be used in the third or fourth round of this season's FA Cup. It will only come into place in the fifth round.
This reason relates to 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. Many teams in the lower leagues do not have the money or infrastructure to add the technology for FA Cup fixtures.
The Football Association says this decision will ensure a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs that take part in the competition. Goalline technology, however, will be available for all fixtures hosted by Premier League and Championship clubs.
More to follow...