Football’s VAR likely subject to ‘proximity bias’ says Bradford psychologist
Could the location of the pitch-side monitor influence Premier League referees’ decisions? New research from the University of Bradford suggests it might – and the findings are being presented today (December 2) at the British Psychological Society’s Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology Conference in Leeds.
Psychologists analysed 1,520 Premier League matches between 2021/22 and 2024/25. Of 250 occasions where referees consulted the pitch-side monitor, they overturned their original decision 95% of the time, maintaining it only 12 times. Strikingly, 75% of those maintained decisions favoured the home team.
Lead author Dr Daniel Walker, Assistant Professor in Psychology and a member of the British Psychological Society, said: “Referees overturning their original decision in 95% of cases is high but may be expected, as the reason they are being advised to consult the pitch-side monitor is due to a potential error.”
Dr Walker added that the monitor’s position – usually near the dugouts and home fans – raises questions about ‘proximity bias’, where people are more likely to agree with those closest to them:“The International Football Association Board could be more specific about what they deem visible. A monitor down the tunnel, away from fans but still televised for transparency, could be a sensible compromise.”
The study also found:
- VAR interventions were most common when the match was level.
- The final quarter of matches saw the highest frequency of VAR usage.
- External factors like scoreline and crowd size did not significantly influence decisions once the monitor was consulted.
This peer-reviewed analysis highlights how psychology can shape sporting fairness – and why Bradford research is sparking debate at the highest level.
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