Var

[toptoon]

Well, after watching that its clear we can never scrap VAR. The refs and assistants have come to rely on it.
Digny never left the box once after the ball hit his elbow. Complete bottle job by giving it outside the box because the ref simply wasnt paying attention.
VAR is here to stay.

[Jammy89]

I hate it but I have to agree.

It needs to be managed better - like they do on contienent.

But it does have to stay, just not be used as a tool to support cartel 6.

[Zippity]

I also think the linseman was either bought off or switched off for both the pen and the offside.

Both on his side, both fairly straightforward decisions so he's either corrupt or incredibly incompetent.

Unfortunately I agree about VAR. It's made itself indispensable because it's significantly impacted the officials' ability to do their jobs.

That was, hands down, the worst officiating performance I think I've ever seen...and that's saying something. Often, it's incompetent for both sides but this? This was another level and you can't help wondering when all the decisions are given against the same team...

[Jammy89]

It would certainly be interesting checking the bank accounts and betting platforms of the officials/ their close family.

[PhoneymcRingRing]

They used that match to promote VAR

[Jammy89]

They used that match to promote VAR

Aye - my trust in them is so low, that I could well believe it.

[toptoon]

In that case my vote is to scrap on field officials and referee the game by video. You look at the officials performance today and wonder what theyre being paid for. That bordered on negligence.

[Ragatino]

VAR technology is excellent. A brilliant tool in the hands of monkeys.

We can all accept mistakes. Everyone makes them.

There is no way the Digne handball was a mistake.

The one moment tells you clearly that Kavanagh had been told to favour Villa and do everything he can to make sure Newcastle lose.

Why?

The cartel have pressed the PGMOL to assist in the disruption of NUFC's progress. With all the noise around Eddie, the poor performances the powers that be saw the opportunity to drive a bigger wedge between fans & Manager.

The Spurs game was less obvious but it was clear that after that game the Villa match couldn't be a 2nd away win for the Magz.

So they put agent K on the job and he did his job. Fortunately Villa's keeper made it impossible for the ref to do anything but send him for an early shower.

The Villa goal - Offside. VAR has nothing to do with that. The linesman clearly in line and there were 3 or 4 players offside. The Line of the penalty area was clear demarcation of the defensive line.

This was clearly intentionally.

Luca Digne's foul on Murphy is a straight red.

These are not errors these are intentional decisions made by a professional Game Management employee - 183 games...
As of February 15, 2026, Chris Kavanagh has officiated a total of 183 Premier League matches throughout his career