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Should VAR be scrapped after Liverpool vs Arsenal controversies?

Proposals to get rid of VAR have intensified following controversial incidents during Arsenal's 1-0 win at Liverpool.

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 4:47 PM
Should VAR be scrapped after Liverpool vs Arsenal controversies?
Key Things to Know
  • Controversies during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Liverpool have intensified debate over whether the Premier League should scrap VAR.
  • Arsenal defeated Liverpool 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal scored by Kai Havertz.
  • Liverpool were denied a penalty after Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt inside the box.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Calls to scrap VAR in the Premier League have intensified following several controversial decisions during Arsenal's 1-0 victory against Liverpool at Anfield. Kai Havertz scored the lone goal of the match, while key disputes centered on referee Andy Madley and video officials denying Liverpool penalty claims. Notably, Jurrien Timber escaped punishment following a shirt pull on Alexander Isak inside the penalty area.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk criticized the officiating post-match, demanding accurate decisions, while former referee Dermot Gallagher suggested Timber was fortunate to avoid punishment. Additional incidents involved Cody Gakpo, Christos Tzolis, Alex Mac Allister, and Noni Madueke, prompting growing debates among fans over whether the technology should be abandoned completely.

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