The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official at the centre of a controversial hand gesture during Sunday’s Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal has admitted the movement was “involuntary and a subconscious twitch”, according to a statement released by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
The incident occurred in the 67th minute when, after reviewing a potential penalty for handball against Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, the VAR, Darren England, was seen on the monitor making a signal with his right hand that some observers interpreted as a coded message to the on-field referee. The gesture, a quick flick of the wrist followed by a closed fist, was not immediately clarified by the match broadcast.
In a written submission to the Football Association, England described the movement as “a muscular spasm unrelated to the decision-making process”. He added that he had been suffering from fatigue after working consecutive matches and that the twitch was exacerbated by the tension of the moment. PGMOL chief Howard Webb confirmed that medical tests had been conducted and revealed no underlying neurological condition.
The admission has done little to quell the debate surrounding VAR transparency. Critics argue that the incident undermines the integrity of a system already plagued by inconsistent rulings and opaque communication. “If officials are making involuntary gestures that can be misconstrued, the protocol must be revised to eliminate any ambiguity,” said Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Supporters’ Association.
The FA has confirmed it will review the incident but stated that no further disciplinary action is anticipated. The Premier League, meanwhile, has announced an independent inquiry into the communication protocols between VAR officials and on-field referees. The findings are expected within six weeks.
England’s statement comes amid a broader push for reform in officiating standards. Last month, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved trials of a system that would allow referees to explain decisions to stadium crowds via public address. However, the proposed measure has faced resistance from match officials who fear it could increase scrutiny and pressure.
The match itself ended in a 1-1 draw, with Arsenal equalising from a controversial corner kick awarded after the VAR decision. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta declined to comment on the gesture but said the result was “fair given the balance of play”. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed frustration with the “lack of clarity” surrounding the incident but stopped short of accusing England of wrongdoing.
This is not the first time VAR officials have faced allegations of impropriety. In 2020, a VAR official was suspended for failing to alert the referee to a clear error in a Championship fixture. The PGMOL has since introduced mandatory psychological assessments and biometric monitoring for all officials in an effort to reduce human error.
As the football world awaits the outcome of the Premier League inquiry, the focus remains on the broader challenge of integrating technology into a sport built on human judgement. For now, the explanation of a subconscious twitch will have to suffice, though it is unlikely to satisfy those who demand absolute certainty from a system designed to deliver it.
