VAR controversy hits Prem opener

Jamie Carragher criticizes VAR after Bournemouth defender Marco Senesi avoids a red card for a handball in the Premier League curtain-raiser against Liverpool.

Carragher slams VAR after wrong information fed to referee in Prem opener

In the Premier League curtain-raiser between Bournemouth and Liverpool, a handball by Marco Senesi went unpunished after a 14th minute incident. Mo Salah released a through pass to Hugo Ekitike, and Senesi stretched out his arm to block the ball. Liverpool players and their manager stood up in protest as did Sky’s commentators. VAR did not intervene, and the match centre later suggested the incident was outside the obvious range for review. Ekitike went on to score for Liverpool just before half time, giving the Reds the lead.

On Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher said the information given to the referee was incorrect, and Peter Drury noted that the check had concluded with no clear handball. Carragher and other observers argued the moment merited a review and a possible red card, raising questions about how such situations are interpreted and communicated to match officials.

This episode exposes ongoing tensions around handball rules and VAR guidance. The distance from goal and the defender’s body position are central to the decision, but the lack of a clear ruling feeds a sense of inconsistency across matches. The incident also highlights how communications between VAR, referees, and viewers can erode trust when explanations seem opaque. As the season starts, calls for clearer guidelines and more transparent explanations are likely to grow from fans, pundits, and clubs alike.

Highlights

The season will test whether clearer rules and better communication can rebuild confidence in refereeing.