What happens if players crowd the referee or show the TV signal themselves?
Rule- Australia
- Football Australia
- A-Leagues
- VAR
- Laws of the Game
- 2026/27
- Fans
The IFAB VAR protocol says:
- Players and team officials must not surround the referee or try to influence a review or the final decision.
- There is no need for coaches or players to request a check or review, because the VAR automatically checks every situation.
- During a review, players stay on the field of play and substitutes and team officials stay off it.
- A player, substitute, substituted player or team official who excessively shows the TV signal, or who enters the referee review area, will be cautioned.
- Anyone who enters the video operation room will be sent off.
Source: IFAB, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol, 2026/27 Laws of the Game.
Added 24 Oct 2026