FA Cup rules every Arsenal fan needs to know for Manchester United clash including VAR and suspensions

The FA Cup is back for the 2024/25 season as the third round proper kicks off with some of the big Premier League clubs joining the mix.

Amongst them are Arsenal, who have won the competition more than any other team in its esteemed history.

The FA Cup became renowned with the Gunners, and Arsene Wenger, while it was also the first trophy of the Mikel Arteta era.

The current manager will be hoping he can add another to his tally this season, with a chance to go deep into the competition.

There are some differences between the rules in the FA Cup and other competitions though, which may cause some confusion.

So with that said, here’s a look at everything Arsenal fans should know for this year’s FA Cup.

Is there VAR in the FA Cup?

There is the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referees) in the FA Cup, but only from the point of the fifth round and onwards.

It means that the first four rounds of the proper phase of the competition will not feature the use of VAR technology.

There are no replays scheduled for the FA Cup, unlike years gone by, with teams deciding to cut down the workload of players.

As a result, if matches are level on the day then they will be settled with extra time and penalties until a winner is decided.

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Players will receive a suspension in the FA Cup if they pick up consecutive yellow cards in the competition for the season.

While in the past this one-match ban could be served across competitions, it will now exclusively apply to the next FA Cup match instead.

Red card suspensions work slightly different in the FA Cup, as any sending off will carry over between competitions – unlike yellow card bans.

The red card will follow into the next domestic game, resulting in a ban for the next Premier League or Carabao Cup game.