VAR switched OFF during Ipswich vs Man Utd as fire alarm causes chaos
Referee Anthony Taylor called together captains Sam Morsy and Bruno Fernandes shortly before the end of the first half to inform them that technology could not be used
by Mark Jones · The MirrorVAR technology had to be switched off during the first half of Ipswich vs Manchester United on Sunday as a fire alarm at Stockley Park caused the system to briefly be abandoned.
Referee Anthony Taylor called together captains Sam Morsy and Bruno Fernandes shortly before the end of the first half to inform them that technology could not be used due to the operators vacating the building.
The game was briefly halted for that conversation, but then continued without technology in use for several minutes, during which time Ipswich's Omari Hutchinson superbly fired the hosts level from the edge of the box.
Marcus Rashford had given United the lead after just 81 seconds when he found the net from close range following a cross from Amad Diallo, as the visitors raced into a perfect start in new boss Ruben Amorim's first game in charge.
At 5.15pm the Premier League Match Centre's X account tweeted: "The match will be operating without VAR until further notice due to a fire alarm at the VAR Hub at Stockley Park." That was swiftly followed by an update at 5.19pm declaring: "VAR is now back up and running."
Amorim made three changes to Ruud van Nistelrooy's final United line-up for his first game in charge, with Jonny Evans coming into defence and Manuel Ugarte and Rasmus Hojlund dropping to the bench.
"I feel a little anxious," he admitted. "But not only for me, but also for my players, because we changed things and I want my players to feel comfortable and happy during the game. Anxious, but excited."
When asked what he was targeting, he said: "First win - just that. We have to be patient but we know we have to win games. We will change some things but not too much. First win, I'll be a happy man.
"I am a different person on a game-day, a little bit anxious. I don't know what to expect. It's a new life. Let's start with the small details."
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