VAR or no VAR?

The newest gadgets have become tiresome for the coaches around as every week there is some issue which comes up, be it a goal disallowed due to offside or a controversial handball given or not given. Video Assistant referees are no more respected and everyone at them as a disappointment. Well, is it that the coaches try to cover the defeat, blaming VAR?

Sometimes, it feels yes. 

Recently in a clash between Wolves and Liverpool, the former were disallowed a goal as a result of outside and the Wolves manager was seen fuming. The level of frustration was too much which resulted in the manager being booked for his actions. However, after the match, Nuno Espirito Santo bemoaned a video official “miles away” who “does not feel the game”.

With the greatest respect, this is not acceptable. 

When has emotional investment become a judgemental aspect in the game? However, there have been some “not so accurate” decisions for the example being Raheem Sterling’s and Roberto Firmino’s goals that were ruled out. The reason? the positioning of their armpits in relation to the last defender, elevating problems that already exist.

There could be many changes in the structure of VAR. The first reason being inclusion of an “umpire’s call”, where the assistant’s onfield decision would be allowed to stand within a defined margin of error.

The use of a monitor, the way it was used in the World Cup could help to a certain extent. It has some flaws too but it gives more clarity in comparison with the referees standing with their finger pressed in their ear, while minimal information is presented to jeering and that is actually worse.

Marginal offsides and various flaws in the Premier League’s video assistants project mean such anger is justified. But various unnecessary complaints from managers, pundits, players and others have been increasing lately. Correct decisions are now also causing fury. 

One more way could be absolutely not using it, the way VAR was ruled out in the A-League, MLS, Bundesliga and Serie A before their largely acclaimed use at the World Cup in 2018.

featured image credits- skysports.com