# Premier League and Scottish Premiership VAR controversies

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/premier-league-and-scottish-premiership-var-controversies
> Updated: 2026-10-20T18:34:55.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Football officiating and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions have faced scrutiny across the Premier League and Scottish Premiership. Initial debates centered on specific match incidents, such as a disallowed goal for Everton against Hull City and a disputed Rangers goal against Kilmarnock where claims of handball were contested.

In response to ongoing controversies, PGMOL Chief Operating Officer Howard Webb introduced the ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ series to increase transparency by sharing communications between referees and the VAR hub. This follows various high-profile incidents, including a non-review for a challenge in the Newcastle United against Aston Villa match and a wrongful dismissal involving Brighton defender Pascal Struijk, which was later rescinded by an independent regulatory commission.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Premier League officials address VAR controversies

PGMOL chief Howard Webb and Premier League officials address recent VAR controversies, including officiating decisions in Newcastle vs. Aston Villa and the return of VAR official Matt Donohue.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/premier-league-officials-address-var-controversies

### 2026-10-12: Football pundits debate VAR decisions in Premier League and Scottish Premiership

Pundits Jay Bothroyd and Dermot Gallagher debate controversial VAR decisions involving Everton's disallowed goal and Rangers' disputed goal against Kilmarnock.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/football-pundits-debate-var-decisions-in-premier-league-and-scottish-premiership

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Cite as: Premier League and Scottish Premiership VAR controversies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/premier-league-and-scottish-premiership-var-controversies