Stuart Attwell created history on Wednesday night by becoming the first referee in English football to explain a VAR decision to the fans.
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Solanke broke the deadlock against LiverpoolVAR ruled out the goal due to offsideAttwell explained decision to the crowdFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Late in the second half, Tottenham believed they had drawn first blood when Dominic Solanke scored past Alisson Becker. Solanke’s strike sparked celebrations among his team-mates, only for the goal to be reviewed by VAR. Following a delay, VAR deemed the goal invalid. Cameras turned to Attwell, who addressed the decision in real-time, breaking new ground in English football.
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Speaking over the PA system, Attwell clarified: “After review, Dominic Solanke was in an offside position in the build-up to the goal, my decision is offside.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The historic announcement was part of a trial being conducted during the midweek Carabao Cup semi-finals. The aim of the initiative, led by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), is to enhance communication and clarity for fans. While Tuesday’s semi-final between Arsenal and Newcastle did not feature any VAR interventions, Wednesday’s match provided an opportunity to test this new approach.