Southampton: New VAR rule changes for Saints to get used to for next season

VAR has certainly caused some debate in its first season in the Premier League, and Southampton have experienced that first hand.

Luck was on their side in the early part of the campaign, but their last match at home to Newcastle United saw VAR send Moussa Djenepo off and award the visitors to St Mary’s a penalty for handball.

Now it appears that new guidelines and rules will be in place for next season to improve people’s understanding of some decisions.

The first involves use of the pitchside monitor by referees when making a decision – something that we saw at St Mary’s when Djenepo was sent off versus Newcastle.

A statement from IFAB – referenced by the Mirror – explains that “where a reviewable incident is subjective, the explanation is that the referee will undertake an on-field review”.

There certainly seemed to be room for more use of the screen by officials before play in the season was suspended in March.

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Most decisions were taken via the VAR officials instead of those officiating the game at stadiums, and this only increased the frustrations from some fans.

The ruling on handball will also be changed slightly, if only to clarify where the arm goes up to.

IFAB have confirmed that next season, the arm will end when it connects with the bottom of the armpit.

This perhaps would have seen the penalty call against Sofiane Boufal not given in Saints’ last game with Newcastle after he controlled the ball with is shoulder.

Clarification is also provided on handball in attacking situations, with IFAB stating that any use of the arm in the direct lead up to a goal within a few passes of a goal being scored will see that goal ruled out.

The article by the Mirror also explains that the margins for offside calls are still to be decided, but does provide updates on penalties.

A goalkeeper coming off his line and subsequently saving a spot-kick will see the penalty retaken – but only if the shot was on target.

Encroachment into the box from either side before a penalty kick is taken will also see it retaken.