Aydın Tiryaki (2026)

Introduction: The 50% Justice Gap and the Anatomy of Restarts

Statistical evidence suggests that “restart moments”—specifically throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks—constitute nearly half of all play-initiation actions in a professional football match [1]. Despite this immense structural weight, current VAR protocols categorize errors during these moments as “non-reviewable,” creating a significant “technical justice” deficit. It is crucial to recognize that many goals are the final link in a “goal chain” triggered by an initially erroneous restart decision [2].

1. Corner Kicks: Absolute Oversight and “Millimetric Cunning”

Corner kicks are highly strategic set-pieces with prolonged preparation phases, making them ideal for VAR intervention without disrupting the flow.

• Mandatory Intervention and Goal Annulment: If a corner is awarded when the ball last touched an attacking player (meaning it should be a goal kick), VAR must intervene before the kick is taken. Should the error go unflagged and a goal is scored directly from that erroneous corner, VAR must have the authority to annul the goal based on an “Illegal Restart” [1].
• The Ethics of Ball Placement: Players often engage in “millimetric cunning” by placing the ball slightly outside the quarter-circle to gain an unfair advantage [3]. VAR should monitor these ethical violations and rule-breaking placements—similar to goalkeeper encroachment during penalties—to ensure the integrity of the “Fair Play” principle.

2. Correcting Goal Kicks to Corners and Time Restitution

A common injustice occurs when a clear deflection off a defender is misjudged as a goal kick.

• Reversing the Decision: Even if the goalkeeper has already restarted play, if VAR identifies the error (that it should have been a corner), the play must be halted, and the corner awarded [1].
• Time Restitution: Any time elapsed between the incorrect goal kick decision and the VAR intervention must be treated as “lost time” and added precisely to the end of the half, neutralizing any tactical advantage gained through time-wasting.

3. Balancing Speed and Fluidity in Throw-ins

Due to the rapid nature of throw-ins, a specialized approach is required to maintain the match’s tempo:

• The “Pre-Restart” Window: VAR is responsible for flagging errors in throw-in direction or ownership only before the ball enters the field of play [1].
• Natural Selection of Errors: If a team takes a quick throw-in before VAR can complete its check, the play stands. This encourages teams to accelerate the game, enhancing the spectacle while still providing a safety net against blatant errors during natural breaks.

4. Goal Chain Analysis and Technical Justice

The outcome of a match is often determined by the sequence of events from the moment the ball is put back into play until the final shot. A “goal chain” initiated by a faulty throw-in or corner is fundamentally “unjust” as it stems from a rule violation [2]. Limiting VAR to only the “final touch” while ignoring the “initial error” is a structural flaw in the modern game’s judicial system.

Conclusion

Exempting the restart moments that make up half of the game from VAR oversight leaves football to the mercy of chance and human error. The “Pre-Restart Window” and “Time Restitution” models offer a path toward a game that is both faster and more honest.

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References

1. Tiryaki, A. (2026). Set-Piece Efficiency and Technical Justice in Football: An Analysis of Corners, Throw-ins, and VAR Reform. Retrieved from: https://aydintiryaki.org/2026/02/14/set-piece-efficiency-and-technical-justice-in-football-an-analysis-of-corners-throw-ins-and-var-reform/
2. Tiryaki, A. (2026). The Anatomy of Football Restarts and Goal Chain Analysis. Retrieved from: https://aydintiryaki.org/2026/02/14/the-anatomy-of-football-restarts-and-goal-chain-analysis/
3. Tiryaki, A. (2026). Millimetric Cunning in Football: Corner Kicks and the Ethics of Fair Play. Retrieved from: https://aydintiryaki.org/2026/02/14/millimetric-cunning-in-football-corner-kicks-and-the-ethics-of-fair-play/

| aydintiryaki.org | YouTube | Aydın Tiryaki’nin Yazıları ve Videoları │Articles and Videos by Aydın Tiryaki | Bilgi Merkezi│Knowledge Hub  | ░ VAR Protokolüne Korner ve Taç Eklensin │ Include Corners and Throw-ins in the VAR Protocol ░ 14.02.2026

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A Note on Methods and Tools: All observations, ideas, and solution proposals in this study are the author’s own. AI was utilized as an information source for researching and compiling relevant topics strictly based on the author’s inquiries, requests, and directions; additionally, it provided writing assistance during the drafting process. (The research-based compilation and English writing process of this text were supported by AI as a specialized assistant.)