FA CUP fifth round ties will ALL utilise VAR this weekend.
Prior to the fifth round, technology is not used in matches, even at Premier League grounds.
Fifth round ties will all use VARCredit: Getty
This is due to the cost of implementing the required tech at all non-Premier League stadiums and a desire for consistency.
From the fifth round onwards, however, is used – even at grounds outside of the top flight.
Many fans were not impressed when the BBC pointed out that they’d have to deal with video assistants this weekend.
One wrote on X: “Total waste of space bin it.”
While a second huffed: “VAR back for Fa Cup 5th round – rubbish. No VAR gives the cup a point of difference and would be one way of adding something back to the grand old competition.”
A third fumed: “How can they just bring it in half way through a competition? How is that fair on those already knocked out? That’s a joke.”
And a fourth claimed: “No point in having Var, it’s only as good as the persons using it. We know they’re mostly, unfit for purpose.”
Another added: “I mean lets be honest it would be nice if we could actually play some football this weekend rather than constant stop start nonsense.”
Semi-automated offsides will also be in use at FA Cup ties this weekend… but only at Premier League grounds.
This is due to the cost of installing the 30 bespoke cameras required for implementing the system.
Goal-line technology will be utilised at Premier League and grounds.
But Arsenal’s trip to Mansfield and ‘s clash at Port Vale will not have the tech available.
The FA Cup introduced VAR from the fifth round onwardsCredit: Alamy
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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