After VAR produced more headlines than action in two recent high-profile games, there have been questions raised about the continued use of technology in football.
Actually, this season’s Premier League has seen a great deal of controversy surrounding the use of Video Assistant Referees. Teams like Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Liverpool have all been involved in significant disputes, and glaring mistakes on the field and at Stockley Park, the VAR headquarters, have even forced apologies.
Although former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks does not specifically call for the elimination of VAR, he is a harsh critic of the system in his most recent BBC column. Even non-premier league clubs, such as Coventry City, have been subjected to VAR decisions after their FA Cup semifinal loss to Manchester United.
“After watching Manchester United vs. Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final, I am more convinced than ever that technology in football is a hindrance rather than a help,” he states.
“The offside ruling determined by VAR would have been considered level in any other generation.” The unbiased spectator was left with the impression that the Coventry player had not gained any edge, despite the electronic lines that are meant to give the audience some sense of assurance. All that was visible to us was an unfair sensation.
Meanwhile, the focus of the Goodison Park headline during Everton vs. Nottingham Forest was the individual using the device.
The truth is that a lot of the technology employed in football is weakening the game and gradually destroying its priceless customs. Muted cheers, since nobody understands the difference between a handball and an offside, and “those who insisted that technology be brought into the game certainly have a lot to answer for.”
At Wembley, United gave up a 3-0 lead. Only a VAR intervention prevented a humiliating departure in extra time, as Haji Wright’s decision to be offside disqualified Victor Torp’s potential game-winning goal for the Sky Blues.
Following their 2-0 loss at Goodison Park, Forest, on the other hand, released an unprecedented social media statement in which they claimed they had been denied three obvious penalties and informed the PGMOL body of match officials that Stuart Attwell, the VAR for the match, was a supporter of their relegation rivals Luton Town. The FA’s inquiry into their outburst is still ongoing, and the club is awaiting its findings.Penalties—nobody knows.The technology is broken.
“Those who pushed for the inclusion of technology in the game undoubtedly have a lot to answer for.”
At Wembley, United gave up a 3-0 lead. Only a VAR intervention prevented a humiliating departure in extra time, as Haji Wright’s decision to be offside disqualified Victor Torp’s potential game-winning goal for the Sky Blues.
Following their 2-0 loss at Goodison Park, Forest, on the other hand, released an unprecedented social media statement in which they claimed they had been denied three obvious penalties and informed the PGMOL body of match officials that Stuart Attwell, the VAR for the match, was a supporter of their relegation rivals Luton Town. The FA’s inquiry into their outburst is still ongoing, and the club is awaiting its findings.