In the round of fixtures between 14 and 16 March, the KMI Panel ruled that three penalties should have been awarded. One error occurred in Arsenal's clash with Everton, where Michael Keane escaped punishment despite fouling Kai Havertz inside the penalty area. Another error came at Chelsea, where Reece James went unpunished for pulling Newcastle's Malick Thiaw. Brentford were denied a penalty, with Kevin Schade being held by Wolves' Andre, who escaped without consequence. The fourth error in that run of fixtures came in the goalless draw at Selhurst Park, where a second yellow card was issued to Leeds' Gabriel Gudmundsson against Crystal Palace. The KMI Panel was satisfied that VAR was correct not to intervene after the event in these fixtures, though the infringement involving Gudmundsson was not subject to VAR review, a rule that will change from next season.
Season-long trends show a rise in errors compared to previous campaigns. At the same stage last season, there had been 44 incorrect or missed VAR interventions, or on-field blunders that failed to meet the threshold for a video review. There have already been as many VAR errors this season (18) as throughout the entirety of last campaign. Year-on-year, there have been more missed VAR interventions (15), on-field errors (25), and incorrect second yellow card decisions (11).
VAR's role and ongoing controversy surrounding refereeing standards persist. VAR remains deeply contentious, with numerous pundits arguing that refereeing standards have declined as a consequence. Officials are aware they have the reassurance of a safety net should they reach an incorrect decision.