Chris Kavanagh Dropped From Premier League After FA Cup Errors
Sports Updated: 18 February 2026 14:30 EAT
Referee Chris Kavanagh has been removed from officiating any Premier League fixtures this weekend following a controversial performance in the FA Cup fourth-round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United last Saturday. The game was played without VAR, which contributed to multiple contentious decisions.
Kavanagh failed to flag Tammy Abraham’s goal for offside, drawing immediate criticism from fans and pundits alike. Analysts also noted that he missed a potential red card for Lucas Digne after a dangerous challenge.
Additionally, Kavanagh incorrectly ruled a handball outside the penalty area, denying Newcastle a clear penalty. The Magpies eventually won the match 3‑1, but the officiating dominated post-match discussions.
The decision to drop him from this weekend’s fixtures comes amid growing scrutiny over refereeing standards in English football. Observers argue that early rounds of the FA Cup are particularly challenging without VAR technology.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has confirmed that Kavanagh’s performance is under review, reflecting accountability measures used for all top-flight referees.
Assistant referee Nick Greenhalgh was also omitted from appointments following the same match. PGMOL said other officials would be assessed ahead of this weekend’s games.
Football experts and former referees highlighted the difficulty of making accurate decisions without VAR, noting that officials have become increasingly reliant on technology.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said the match showed the need for VAR in all high-stakes games, particularly in knockout competitions like the FA Cup.
Kavanagh’s omission is intended to allow him to reflect on the errors and undergo further training before returning to Premier League duties.
The FA Cup will introduce VAR from the fifth round onward, a measure aimed at reducing errors and ensuring more consistent officiating for the remainder of the tournament.
Fans, clubs, and media outlets have widely debated the incident, calling for stricter enforcement of rules and clearer guidelines for referees officiating without VAR.
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FELIX MAKONA
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