---

The 2019/20 season will be a seminal one for technology and the Premier League, as we’ll see Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technologies deployed in the competition for the very first time.

This technology will certainly bring its fair share of drama, with last season’s Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup having produced some highly-contentious VAR moments. Take Marcus Rashford’s decisive penalty against PSG in the UCL, for example, which was only awarded after the referee reviewed the incident using the pitch side monitor.

But how will VAR be used in the EPL next season, and what exactly should you expect as a supporter, particularly if you follow Norwich City?

Handballs and Penalty Calls

We’ve already touched on handballs, with VAR use in the Champions League coinciding with a change in how these incidents were reviewed officials.

Premier League fans may be heartened to note that the domestic interpretation will not be as strict as on the continent, as whilst VAR will review all contentious handball decisions referees will make their final call based on whether or not there has been a deliberate attempt to block the ball.

So, whilst we’re sure to see an uptick in the number of penalties awarded in league games next season, this increase will not be as large as it may have been.

When it comes to penalty decisions, VAR will be used to review all decisions in real-time, in order to minimise delays and interruptions to the flow of any given game.

However, will only be required to review footage on the pitch side monitor in exceptional circumstances, or at least in instances where the video assistant referee cannot make an informed decision.

On a similar note, VAR will not be used to determine whether or not a goalkeeper wanders off their line when the opposing side is taking a penalty, at least unless a clear and blatant error has been made by the referee.

This decision was announced after an exceptionally high number of retaken spot-kicks at the Women’s World Cup last month, although it has yet to be seen whether FIFA challenges this interpretation of the rule.

The Last Word – Offside and the Impact on football wagering

Offside decisions may not be too adversely affected when VAR is rolled out, not least because the technology will only be used to reverse clear errors or to resolve the tightest calls.

Regardless, there’s little doubt that VAR will have a significant impact on the fan’s viewing experience next season, whilst it could also influence the 76.8% of footy supporters who regularly wager on their favourite teams and desired outcomes.

With this in mind, fans may want to make the most of the many no deposits bet offers in the coming season, as this will help them to protect their wagers in instances where VAR is deployed to overturn decisions.

Either way, you should buckle-up and prepare for a rollercoaster season in the Premier League next term!

---