Liverpool to Face Fulham in Carabao Cup Semi-Final without VAR
Liverpool will be facing Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-final, and surprisingly, there will be no VAR for either leg of the match. Despite its planned introduction for this round, the EFL has decided to exclude VAR to maintain fairness.
Jurgen Klopp’s team has secured a place in the last four of the competition after defeating Leicester, Bournemouth, and West Ham. Now, Fulham stands as the final obstacle to another final berth.
While Liverpool, Fulham, and Chelsea have VAR technology in place at their stadiums, Middlesbrough does not. To ensure a level playing field, the EFL has decided to use VAR only in the final and not in any of the four semi-final matches.
The decision by the EFL is in contrast to the FA Cup, which uses VAR in games where the technology is available, even if other fixtures in the same round do not have access.
Regarding the officiating of Liverpool’s first leg against Fulham, David Coote will be the referee. Coote was the VAR for last month’s top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal, where a clear handball by Martin Odegaard went unpunished.
Mixed reactions are expected regarding the absence of VAR in these games. Some may embrace it, while others may question its absence if referees miss crucial decisions that could impact a team’s place in the final.
The first leg between Liverpool and Fulham will take place on Wednesday, with the return leg scheduled for January 24 at Craven Cottage. The final will be held at Wembley on February 25.