On May 13, the Japan Football Association (JFA) Referee Committee held a referee briefing in Tokyo, where JFA Referee Manager Ryuji Sato explained judgment cases from mid-April to the previous weekend. Regarding the scene in the 65th minute of the J1 League match between Fagiano Okayama and Sanfrecce Hiroshima on May 2, where Hiroshima midfielder Shuto Nakano collided with Okayama forward Kota Kono, Sato concluded, “If the referee judged it as no foul, we can support that decision.”
In that match, both players reacted to a loose ball inside Okayama’s penalty area. As they contested for a high ball, Kono’s sole stepped on Nakano’s foot, causing Nakano to fall to the ground. The Video Assistant Referee then intervened, and the on-field referee conducted an on-field review. Ultimately, the referee upheld the original no-foul call, and no penalty was awarded.
Sato explained, “We support the referee’s decision if he judged it as no foul.” However, he also pointed out that while the VAR intervention standard requires a “clear and obvious error,” the decision to show the video to the referee was questionable. “How was it to show the footage in the on-field review? That video also plays on the giant screen. When it is shown clearly in slow motion or freeze-frame, how is it perceived?” he noted.
During the briefing, audio from the VAR check was also released. The on-field referee expressed his view that the contact was accidental, while the VAR side communicated with hesitation, saying, “The ball is even,” “There is a feeling of stepping above the ankle,” and “It’s close to accidental, but you can watch it once and decide.”
Based on this, Sato stated, “We support the no-foul decision, but regarding the meaning of showing the video to the referee, we think it should not have been shown.” He added that following the VAR intervention standard, “Whether to intervene or not, if the VAR thinks it’s a no, we want them to value that feeling.” This message will be shared at the upcoming Professional Referee camp.