Video assistant referee intervention has been a recurring topic across domestic competitions and is now a central feature of the 104-game FIFA men’s World Cup. Andy Davies, a former Select Group referee with more than 12 seasons on the elite list and VAR experience in the Premier League, reviewed the three pivotal incidents from England’s 3-2 round-of-16 win over Mexico, which was refereed by Alireza Faghani with Nicolás Gallo Barragán operating VAR.
At 54 minutes, Jarell Quansah was sent off after a late, high-speed challenge on Jesús Gallardo. There was no initial decision on the field, but VAR quickly recommended an on-field review. At the pitch-side monitor the referee agreed with the VAR and issued a red card. According to Andy Davies, the combination of speed, intensity and high contact to the shin met the criteria for serious foul play, and this was a correct use of VAR.
Four minutes later, Anthony Gordon was fouled by Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel inside the penalty area. The on-field referee awarded a penalty, which VAR reviewed and then cleared. Davies described this as a straightforward confirmation of the on-field decision, noting Gordon’s touch had taken the ball away from goal and therefore the penalty, with no additional sanction for the keeper, was the right outcome.
At 68 minutes, Harry Kane appeared to catch the boot of Brian Gutiérrez while attempting a clearance. The referee initially dismissed Mexican appeals, but VAR recommended a review. After lengthy replay checks, VAR concluded Kane did not play the ball and the referee awarded a penalty to Mexico at the monitor. Davies noted England could view the call as harsh given the dynamics, but said VAR was obliged to act once the replays presented clear evidence that the ball had not been played.
Davies also outlined the basic VAR protocol: the on-field decision is the starting point and VAR only recommends intervention when there is clear video evidence of an obvious error. In these three incidents, he judged the VAR team followed that process in reaching their conclusions.
