IFAB to Expand VAR Powers Following Controversial Jacob Ramsey Red Card in Newcastle Victory Over Manchester United

IFAB confirms major VAR protocol changes for 2026/27 after Newcastle’s Jacob Ramsey was controversially sent off for simulation against Manchester United.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 8:48 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Express

A Related Victory Amidst Officiating Turmoil

Newcastle United managed to secure a vital Premier League victory on Wednesday evening despite a contentious refereeing decision that left them playing with ten men. Will Osula delivered a spectacular 90th minute winner to defeat Manchester United, providing a sense of relief for referee Peter Bankes. Bankes had earlier drawn widespread criticism for his decision to dismiss Jacob Ramsey for a second yellow card. Ramsey had outpaced goalkeeper Senne Lammens to reach an Anthony Gordon through ball before losing his footing, yet he was penalized for simulation despite making no appeal for a penalty.

Legislative Shifts in Video Officiating

In a direct response to the limitations of current technology, the International Football Association Board has announced a fundamental expansion of the VAR protocol set for the 2026/27 season. Under the revised rules, second yellow card incidents will finally fall within the jurisdiction of video review, a change that would have allowed Ramsey's dismissal to be overturned. This development marks a significant pivot for IFAB, which has previously resisted expanding VAR to include cautions to avoid excessive match delays and interruptions to the game's flow.

Stoking Tensions at St James’ Park

The atmosphere during the match was notably hostile toward the officiating crew, who were relentlessly jeered as they exited the pitch at the interval. Frustrations were further exacerbated when Manchester United managed to level the score in the eighth minute of first half stoppage time, despite only three minutes being officially allocated. The Newcastle supporters viewed the discrepancy in timing and the Ramsey dismissal as part of a recurring pattern of poor officiating that has threatened to derail their aspirations for European qualification.