One major change that will affect Leeds United following promotion to the Premier League will be that VAR is once again active, and Mark Clattenburg has given his verdict on how it will affect Leeds.
Relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 22-23 season saw Leeds drop to the Championship, where technology is yet to be installed. Only goal-line technology is currently used in the second tier.
But a return to the Premier League means that after a two-year hiatus, any contentious decisions will see VAR come into play. Leeds had their fair share of refereeing and linesman mistakes over the last season.
Two goals against Middlesbrough towards the end of the season spring to mind, with Patrick Bamford’s effort ruled out. It would have been his only goal of the season, while Ao Tanaka also had one chalked off.
Mark Clattenburg on how VAR will affect Leeds during 2025-26
It is now just six days until Leeds step onto the Elland Road turf to take on David Moyes’ Everton, who have just completed the loan signing of Jack Grealish from Man City while Angus Kinnear returns.
Plenty of sub-plots also include Jack Harrison now integrated as a Leeds player again and ready to face an Everton side he’s played for over the last two years. VAR is likely to be used at some stage next Monday.
The 2016 Champions League final referee, Mark Clattenburg, told LeedsUnited.News that Farke’s squad will have to watch a presentation from the PGMOL, to explain how VAR will be used and implemented.
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“Leeds were on the wrong end of some poor calls from the match officials with offsides. This will not be the case next season as VAR covers offside when goals are scored and these mistakes should not happen.
“As normally happens with newly promoted teams because of the quality and experience, they will be having to defend more inside the penalty area so will have more risk of being penalised for penalties.
“PGMOL the head of refereeing will visit all clubs before the season and will give a presentation to all coaching staff and players on the use of VAR and refereeing issues so all clubs should be prepared.”
Photo by Jordan Peck/Getty ImagesChris Kavanagh in charge for Leeds United clash v Everton
Chris Kavanagh has been appointed as the man in the middle when Leeds host Everton under the lights at Elland Road next Monday. Kavanagh is, these days, a widely-renowned Premier League official.
Interestingly, Kavanagh has been the man in the middle for 21 Leeds matches throughout his career. Before a 3-0 win at Millwall in 2023, Leeds had gone on a losing streak of seven games under Kavanagh.
Kavanagh sent off Luke Ayling in a 2-1 loss to Arsenal back in 2022. Leeds will be hoping to add to the eight matches they have won when Kavanagh has the whistle, instead of the nine defeats with him as ref.