VAR goes down during Ipswich vs Man Utd as Stockley Park evacuated

The Premier League clash between Ipswich Town and Manchester United went on for several minutes without the use of VAR after Stockley Park was evacuated. On the 36-minute mark, referee Anthony Taylor bemusingly called a halt to the play, and called over team captains Sam Morsy and Bruno Fernandes.

With both players looking confused, Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury then explained what was going on.

“Well, what’s happening here, is Anthony Taylor is having to call the captains together because we learn there is a fire alarm at Stockley Park,” he said.

“VAR is not currently functional. There may be some of you who love that thought, back to the old days, it’s all on the ref and his assistants now until further notice.”

Co-commentator Alan Smith added “Watch now, we’ll get his contentious decision.” The situation continued for several minutes before Drury confirmed that normal proceedings had been resumed.

At the time of the development, United led 1-0 courtesy of Marcus Rashford scoring from Amad’s cross less than two minutes in. By the time the system was up and running just before half time, Omari Hutchinson has equalised in spectacular style for Ipswich.

While the incident may have been unavoidable, it will undoubtedly lead to ridicule from fans and pundits already at odds with the use of video technology in football. And it comes on the weekend where VAR, and the PGMOL, were already in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

After Leicester City were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea on Saturday, manager Steve Cooper was livid with referee Andrew Madley for turning down penalty claims after Levi Colwill brought down Stephy Mavididi in the area. VAR assessed the incident, deciding to stay with Madley’s on field-call.

Cooper reacted by saying he felt “sorry for Howard Webb” having to deal with the fallout from the game. Barely 24 hours later, the Welshman was sacked by Leicester.

The Premier League also felt the need to issue a statment following the game between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary’s this afternoon, which the Reds won 3-2. Home player Tyler Dibling was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Andrew Robertson, with VAR upholding the call despite the foul appearing outside the area.

The statement read: “The referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Robertson on Dibling is checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was no conclusive evidence that the contact occurred outside the penalty area.”