The farce of Video Assistant Refereeing, also known as VAR, is more hassle than it’s worth and sooner or later it needs to be banished from the game altogether. Time and time again this season, we have seen the technology cost clubs key goals and precious points, and ultimately football managers have lost their jobs and livelihoods as a result. Dozens of goals have been ruled out by the finest of margins, sometimes even an armpit or toe. I was, and still are, all for the use of VAR if it was going to support referees to make the correct decisions. But if the technology is not going to be used correctly, why is it being used at all? If the Premier League are insistent on using it, why can’t they let the officials in charge of the game make the key decisions instead of someone sat miles away from the stadium?
There are several examples of the technology being used effectively around the world, such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and in domestic leagues in Europe eg Italy. But in England, at the moment, VAR is a confusing mess and it’s causing the Premier League to be less-entertaining and exhilarating.
We all want the game to be the best it can be, and utilising modern technology can only help the sport to evolve. But it needs to be used properly or not used at all.
by William Slater
12 December 2019
Football Fanatics 