Football has been a game of opinion on many matters for years and it has created many a job for people to discuss controversial or in their opinion “wrong decisions” from officials and players. So the introduction of VAR to football was meant to eradicate these controversial issues. However, some would argue it has escalated the situation more.
What is VAR?
VAR stands for Virtual Assistant Referee and is in place to help the on field officials, particularly the referee. The technology system is used by cameras monitoring the game and another set of referees analysing the issue whilst viewing on monitors. The VAR team will inform the referee on calls such as offsides, missed incidents or clear and obvious errors.
The technology was brought into the English Premier League in the 2019/20 season following on from the World Cup in Russia where it was used for the first time after trials across cup competitions.
As well as support for the referee with the use of audio through their ears, the referee may be told to consult the monitor on the side of the pitch to come to a decision about the incident. Often there, they will be speaking with VAR in what parts they want to see again before making a decision.
Is it being used effectively?
There have been major improvements in terms of applying the use of VAR particularly in the Premier League. VAR has not had that many major issues in other leagues and the Premier League have adopted the same system that was used at Euro 2020 and the Champions League from last season.
It ultimately has come down to learning from mistakes and even though VAR is a lot of computers it is always going to have teething issues because the people monitoring the game are also human.
The Premier League itself have stated “Each season of VAR brings learning opportunities, and the implementation of VAR will adjust in line with those to bring further improvements.” They understand that just three years into its full usage there are things that will need to be constantly tweaked and adjusted so players, managers and fans alike can trust the system.
Major fan gripes
There are still going to be controversial decisions even with VAR in place but some fans feel it should all be eradicated because of the use of technology. Things include over analysing the issue that it stops the flow of the game; the record stands with David McGoldrick for Sheffield United at 3 minutes 45 seconds before a decision was made.
This is far too long and the Premier League know it because this is why it has got quicker this season. Decisions are made quicker so fans can enjoy celebrating goals without the looming dread of losing free bets and offers that they may have used on a game or sitting in awaited silence whenever a goal is scored.
The awaited decisions come with drawn lines on the screen to determine the minute detail of if a players top half of their arm is offside or even in some cases their big toe!
However, things are improving with VAR from the 2019/20 season and a lot more fans are coming to terms with how VAR is operated.
It is a frustrating game football but VAR is there to make the right decision even if it goes against your side!
