Newcastle
why There is no VAR for Saturday’s FA Cup game between Sunderland and Newcastle
There is no VAR for the FA Cup game between Sunderland and Newcastle at the Stadium of Light on Saturday – and the rule is not an easy one to explain.
The two bitter rivals were drawn together in England’s leading club competition, with the game being held at Sunderland’s ground.
But the FA Cup is not licensed to use VAR across all of its fixtures, and there is also the issue of technology use across various grounds at this stage of the competition.
Sunderland, who currently sit sixth in the Championship, does not have the video technology, and even if they did, they would not be allowed to use it.
Follow Mail Sport’s live blog covering today’s fixture between fierce rivals Sunderland and Newcastle, and the rest of the early kick-offs in the FA Cup.
While the match-up is one of the most hotly-anticipated games in the FA Cup third round, and broadcast live on ITV and internationally, it seems that many fans are pleased that it does not incorporate VAR, the scourge of many modern football fans.
Broadcaster Adam Catterall wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘VAR would have unnecessarily completely ruined this game by now’.
One fan noted: ‘Ally McCoist commentating on a local derby 3rd round FA Cup tie, with no VAR. I’ve never heard someone so happy & excited and it’s brilliant.’
Another added: ‘PROPER FOOTY. Flying tackles, no VAR.’, while a fourth wrote: ‘Proper atmosphere, ref having a good game, not having to worry about 5 minute VAR delays, heavy tackles and 50/50’s. Tears in my eyes’.
The winner of Saturday’s clash – or a replay if necessary – will enter the hat for the fourth round of the FA Cup, which will be drawn on Monday night.
