THE FA Cup fifth round is underway with some blockbuster ties taking place.
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 around, United are eyeing back-to-back FA Cup triumphs, with Ruben Amorim aiming to claim silverware in a disappointing first season at the club.
The Red Devils face Fulham in the fifth round – 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 5th round?
VAR was not used in the FA Cup from rounds one to four.
But from the fifth round onwards, VAR will be introduced across all ties.
In-stadium VAR announcements will also be made.
Semi-automated offside technology will also be utilised in seven of the eight fifth-round ties.
Preston vs Burnley is the only clash that will not have the technology due to Deepdale not being a Premier League stadium.
Previously, VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums “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 are the FA Cup fifth round ties?
Friday, February 28
Aston Villa 2-0 Cardiff City
Saturday, March 1
12.15pm – Crystal Palace v Millwall
12:15pm – Preston North End v Burnley
3pm – Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers
5.45pm – Manchester City v Plymouth Argyle
Sunday, March 2
1.45pm – Newcastle United v Brighton & Hove Albion
4.30pm – Manchester United v Fulham
Monday, March 3
7.30pm – Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town
