VAR and in-ground replays in place for Wolves' FA Cup semi-final clash
VAR will be in use during Wolves' FA Cup semi-final clash with Watford this weekend, along with Man City's clash with Brighton.
In a first for English football, replays of any overturned incident will be shown to fans on the big screens in the stadium - under current rules, replays of questionable incidents are banned from being shown in England.
The FA has moved to extend their use of VAR, ahead of a full roll-out in the Premier League next season, allowing the replay of incidents which have been overturned for the semi-finals taking place this weekend at Wembley.
Replays will show angles of any overturned VAR incident over the weekend for fans, easing worries of the system alienating fans watching live at the stadium.
The system has previously been criticised for taking too long and leaving fans at grounds without an explanation regarding questionable decisions or incidents.
The FA director of professional game relations, Andy Ambler confirmed the decision.
"VAR will be in operation for both semi-finals and the Final." he said.
"One of the main criticisms about VAR from a fan’s perspective is that it’s not always fully clear what decisions are being considered to those in the stadia.
"For this weekend’s semi-finals matches, if a decision is overturned by VAR we will show the usual VAR graphics on the big screen. This will be followed by the definitive video clip that provides evidence as to why that decision was overturned.
"But a video clip will only be shown on the big screen if the referee’s original decision is overturned. We believe this will help provide clarity and transparency to fans inside the stadium."
This news comes after the EFL announced that it wouldn't be using the system in the Championship play-off final - despite the national stadium being fully equipped to use it.
Wolves take on Watford at Wembley on Sunday, and will face either Manchester City or Brighton in the final, should they get past the Hornets.
