THE FA Cup third round is here as the Premier League’s giants join in from this stage.
But how does the video assistant referee system work with the lower league clubs, and when is it being used from?
VAR in use in the FA Cup last season[/caption]
Last season, Manchester United won the FA Cup by defeating local rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley.
However, manager Erik ten Hag was sacked later in the year in October after earning a reprieve by winning the cup.
On the way to reaching the final, United received an almighty VAR call in their favour in their semi-final victory over Coventry City.
This time round, United are opening up with a blockbuster all-Premier League clash at Arsenal.
But will the video assistant referee (VAR) be used in the match?
Coventry had VAR heartbreak against Man Utd last season[/caption]
Is VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round?
No. VAR will not be used in the FA Cup until the fifth round stage.
Previously VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums due to “due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”
The FA said in a statement: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.
“It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.
“VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.
“This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”
What FA Cup third round games are on TV?
Thursday, January 9
- 7pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)
- 7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)
- 7.45pm – Fulham vs Watford
Friday, January 10
- 7.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth
- 8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)
Saturday, January 11
12pm
- Bristol City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Birmingham City vs Lincoln City
- Middlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers
12.15pm
- Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)
3pm
- Exeter City vs Oxford United
- Preston North End vs Charlton Athletic
- AFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich Albion
- Reading vs Burnley
- Sunderland vs Stoke City
- Nottingham Forest vs Luton Town
- Brentford vs Plymouth Argyle
- Norwich City vs Brighton & Hove Albion
- Chelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)
- Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)
5.45pm
- Man City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)
- Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)
6pm
- Leyton Orient vs Derby County
- Coventry City vs Sheffield Wednesday
- Mansfield Town vs Wigan Athletic
Sunday, January 12
12pm
- Hull City vs Doncaster Rovers
12.30pm
- Tamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)
3pm
- Arsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)
- Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)
- Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers
- Crystal Palace vs Stockport County
4.30pm
- Southampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)
Monday, January 13
- 7.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX)
