Fans adamant VAR had FPL app open during Arsenal vs Liverpool see claim quashed

Claims on social media that a member of the VAR panel was indulging in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) antics during the fiery Arsenal vs Liverpool match have now been quashed. The rumour mill went into overdrive online as screens captured a close-up of the VAR hub.

It led sharp-eyed fans to think they caught a glimpse of the popular FPL app on a phone screen showcased during Sky Sports’ live broadcast of the gripping contest, which saw Mohamed Salah snatch a late equaliser for Liverpool, with the nail-biting showdown between the two title rivals ending 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite the snap of the phone screen causing a stir across social media platform X, with people jumping to conclusions that someone had the cheek to dabble in FPL while meant to be concentrating on the VAR duties, clarity on what the VAR officials had open has emerged.

Following fans’ wild suspicions of mid-game transfer plotting for upcoming fixtures or points checking for their teams, that would have dragged the already contentious VAR system into murkier territory, the record was eventually set straight. Dale Johnson of ESPN clarified that what was actually on display was the Premier League Match Manager app, not the FPL app. He highlighted: “There are, of course, no personal devices in the VAR hub,” via Liverpool.com.

Express Sport also understands the Premier League match manager app is in operation at every station for every match in the VAR Hub, detailing game information including line-ups and substitutions.

With the FPL claim debunked, VAR managed to sidestep further controversy over its credibility, seriousness and professionalism amidst ongoing efforts to gain acceptance from players, managers and fans alike.

Liverpool would have been the happier of the two sides with the outcome at the Emirates, as the Reds rallied twice to secure a point away to one of their main title competitors.

However, the Premier League was compelled to issue a statement clarifying why Arsenal’s second goal wasn’t disallowed, with Mikel Merino’s first-half header promptly scrutinised by VAR due to offside suspicions.