For the first time, Liverpool will experience automated offside technology in the Premier League this weekend with Arne Slot’s men set to take on West Ham United at Anfield.
The English top flight has long been expected to bring in the system that should speed up VAR decisions and remove an element of human error. It has already been tested in Premier League games this season without actually being used to make decisions and has been part of the FA Cup matches as a means of ensuring it runs smoothly and the operators understand how to work it.
The Premier League says the technology will “provide more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking.” It will also “produce virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.”
Ultimately, the bottom line is that decisions are expected to be made more quickly. It will be used in close offside calls — to either confirm or recommend a change to the referee’s call on the field — as is currently the case with VAR.
At the moment, officials manually determine when the ball is kicked and where the line should be for the last man. The technology should do this itself, saving time and making the process much faster.
Referees will still be involved — hence it being semi and not fully automated — as they will check that the system is using the right point of contact and has drawn the lines correctly. The rest of the VAR’s job will remain the same as previously and any subjective offside calls will still involve the officials as previously, potentially with the on-field referee being sent to the pitchside screen.
(Image: Getty Images)
Once the decision is made, a graphic will be broadcast on television and on giant screens in stadiums where possible, though Anfield is one of the grounds where there are no big screens. It will also be shared on the @PLMatchCentre X account.
The system has been used in the Champions League and the image will look very similar to how it does in UEFA’s top competition. The idea is to make the process quicker and more transparent so referees and fans can both identify what the offense was committed more swiftly and there are fewer disruptions in the game.
Liverpool.com says: The Reds have been on the end of the worst VAR decision when it comes to offsides: Luis Diaz’s non-goal at Spurs last season. That was the craziest error that has been made; nothing like it has been seen since.
