VAR changes for Carabao Cup semi-final explained: How Liverpool will be affected by PGMOL call
Liverpool's clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup will see some changes to the way VAR is used. The Reds have become accustomed to the use of technology during their Premier League and Champions League fixtures in recent years.
Arne Slot's side will take on Spurs in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night as they aim to book a place alongside either Arsenal or Newcastle in the final. It was only in December that Liverpool claimed a 6-3 win over Tottenham in the Premier League, and will now return to north London looking for a similar result.
That top-flight clash between Liverpool and Spurs saw VAR in operation, as is the case with every Premier League match. Until the semi-final stage, though, that has not been the case for the Carabao Cup.
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The use of a video assistant referee was not used in any of Liverpool's previous wins in the competition against West Ham, Brighton or Southampton. With the technology being introduced at the semi-final, it also brings other notable changes to the way VAR is being used.
For the first time in English football, VAR announcements will be made over the public address system inside the stadium for fans to hear. This will include when the referee is looking at the pitch-side monitor when VAR is called upon.
Only the final decision made by the referee after VAR intervention will be announced for fans in the stadium to hear. This will include decisions on penalties being awarded, red cards and handball, among others.
The new use of VAR is part of a trial that is being implemented by the PGMOL in collaboration with the EFL. It was during the 2018/19 season that VAR was first introduced in English football in the Carabao Cup before being used in the Premier League the following season.