Does the FA Cup fourth round have VAR?

VAR has already caused huge controversy in the FA Cup this season.

There were two major decisions that saw very different outcomes in the third round.

PA

Daniel Ballard’s challenge on Alexander Isak was NOT checked by VAR at the Stadium of Light[/caption]

Everton striker Dominc Calvert-Lewin sent off by the VAR at Crystal Palace and Newcastle star Alexander Isak failing to get VAR intervention when he was through on goal at Sunderland.

Fans were left incensed by Calvert-Lewin’s sending off, as it looked like a soft challenge.

They were further confused by the lack of decision at the Stadium of Light as the on-field decision – no foul – stood and the game continued.

Had that been in the Premier League the decision would have no doubt been reviewed by the VARs at Stockley Park.

Does the FA Cup have VAR this season?

The lack of a video replay at Sunderland caused confusion among those watching the game, especially fresh off of Calvert-Lewin’s red card.

To answer the question above will only cause more confusion as the technology IS being used in the FA Cup this season… but ONLY in select matches.

The problem is Sunderland, and all other clubs that are not in the Premier League, are NOT licensed to use VAR.

Only grounds that are in England’s top flight are licensed to use the technology, with infrastructure and staffing costs cited as the main issue for rolling it out in other grounds around the country.

Getty

VAR intervened to see Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent off at Crystal Palace[/caption]

That means that while the huge derby between Sunderland and Newcastle did not have the technology, other games will.

Any FA Cup tie played at a Premier League home ground will use the technology, leading many to complain about its unfairness.

Last year, the FA responded to such claims, stating: “Video assistant referees provide match officials with additional support and should be utilised wherever possible.

“However, only Premier League stadiums are currently licensed to use VAR due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required.”

The much-derided technology has already sent waves through the competition this season after Dominic Calvert-Lewin was controversially sent off against Crystal Palace in the first tie of round three.

There is similar confusion in the Carabao Cup, where VAR is not used in early rounds but then introduced for the semi-finals and finals.