DStv Channel 403 Wednesday, 04 December 2024

VAR controversies prompt calls for action in Premier League

LONDON - VAR was supposed to help cut out egregious and costly refereeing mistakes but the technology has come under heavy fire from Premier League managers who have lost faith in the system. 

The video assistant referee was introduced in the 2019/20 season for "clear and obvious errors" or "serious missed incidents" in specific situations.

The promise was that it would lead to "more correct and fairer judgements", even though the Premier League conceded that 100 percent accuracy was impossible.

But feelings are running high after high-profile incidents that have overshadowed the action on the pitch.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta launched a blistering attack on the decision to let Newcastle's goal stand after his team's 1-0 defeat last weekend, labelling it a "disgrace".

Anthony Gordon's second-half goal was checked for three separate VAR offences but survived them all to earn Newcastle the three points.

"We didn't deserve to lose the match," Arteta told Sky Sports. "We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It's embarrassing. A disgrace."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was furious about the VAR-assisted decisions in his side's defeat to Newcastle
AFP/File | Oli SCARFF

The Spaniard's comments were made in the heat of the moment but the club came out strongly in support of their manager in a statement the following day.

"Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta's post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening," Arsenal said.

League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan says coaches want to see changes -- including the video assistant referee working with the same referee each week.

"PGMOL have confirmed to us that they are actively looking at how best to incorporate VARs into match-day refereeing teams, to ensure the dynamic between on-field referee and VAR is conducive to producing positive outcomes," Bevan told the Daily Mail.

"The managers are also calling for a review (and simplification) of the interpretation of the term 'clear and obvious' in VAR decision-making, as this is a cause of much confusion at present."

Henry Winter, chief football writer for The Times, urged the Premier League to listen to the managers of its clubs.

"Anyone who attends a game or watches on television knows that VAR has never been more contentious," he said.

"Some grown-up debate is required. The starting point is that, love it or loathe it, VAR is here to stay. 

"We live in a technological age and other sports have embraced it successfully, so it's about English football getting it right."

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