VAR has sparked major controversies throughout the 2025-26 Premier League season, with West Ham among the clubs affected
There is an argument that VAR has had a more significant impact on this Premier League campaign than in any previous season. While plenty of clubs will consider themselves hard done by after contentious calls, some were more dramatic than others.
As we approach the final day of the season, clubs will be looking back at pivotal moments that could end up defining their season. In West Ham’s case that could mean the difference between relegation and survival.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team are clinging to their Premier League status by a thread. They need to beat Leeds at home on Sunday while hoping Everton beat rivals Tottenham across London.
If the Hammers are unable to survive, they could find themselves reflecting on one particular piece of VAR drama. They won’t be the only ones, though, as outlined below.
Michael Keane (Everton vs Wolves)
Everton defender Michael Keane initially received a yellow card from referee Thomas Kirk for pulling the hair of Wolves opponent Tolu Arokodare, but this was upgraded to a straight red card following advice from VAR Chris Kavanagh to review the incident. Hair-pulling is classified as violent conduct. Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was similarly shown a straight red following a VAR review for pulling the hair of Leeds forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin when the teams clashed last month.
Yerson Mosquera (Man City vs Wolves)
When VARs suggest a review, the result often sees on-field referees reverse their initial decision. Nevertheless, this wasn’t the outcome when referee Farai Hallam, making his Premier League debut, maintained his original call and determined that a handball by Wolves’ Yerson Mosquera did not warrant a penalty. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was less than pleased, saying: “The referee made a huge debut. Now everybody will know him,” though he later apologised for those remarks.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool vs Man City)
In February, VAR proved controversial when it chalked off a City goal and determined that Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai should receive a red card. Late in the match, with City already ahead 2-1, Rayan Cherki launched the ball towards goal from his own half. Szoboszlai tried to impede Erling Haaland as he pursued the ball, before Haaland reciprocated by fouling Szoboszlai.
Referee Craig Pawson initially played advantage following Szoboszlai’s first foul, but VAR official John Brooks identified Haaland’s subsequent foul. This led to the goal being disallowed and the original offence being upgraded to a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Zian Flemming and Ashley Barnes (Burnley vs Brentford)
Burnley mounted an impressive comeback from 3-0 down to draw level at Turf Moor. They appeared to have then taken the lead, only for Flemming to see his goal overturned by VAR for the tightest of offside calls.
Brentford restored their advantage but Burnley believed they had equalised when Ashley Barnes found the net with 100 minutes played. However, VAR stepped in once more and – following a five-minute review – the goal was disallowed after the ball was deemed to have struck Barnes’ arm prior to him scoring.
Callum Wilson and Pablo (West Ham vs Arsenal)
Arguably the most significant VAR decision of this or any Premier League season came in stoppage time at the London Stadium in May. West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen whipped in a corner with West Ham trailing by a single goal and Arsenal failed to deal with the delivery, with Callum Wilson firing home the loose ball.
The Hammers’ celebrations were short-lived, however, as VAR Darren England attempted to unpick the chaos that had unfolded amongst the tangle of bodies in the penalty area. He ultimately advised referee Chris Kavanagh to consult the pitchside monitor, and it was subsequently ruled that Pablo Felipe’s challenge on Gunners goalkeeper David Raya (amid several other potential infringements occurring almost simultaneously) constituted a clear and obvious foul.
The goal was ruled out, handing Arsenal a crucial victory in the title race while denying West Ham a vital point in their battle against relegation. We will learn this weekend just how damaging it proves to be for the Hammers.
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