The continued use of technology in football has been called into doubt after VAR dominated headlines in two recent high-profile games.
In truth, the use of Video Assistant Referees has caused a slew of problems in the Premier League this season, with clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Liverpool embroiled in major controversies, prompting apologies for glaring errors on the pitch and at Stockley Park, the VAR headquarters.
Even clubs outside the top division, such as Coventry City, have received VAR verdicts following their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United, and that match has been cited as obvious example of why the technology isn’t working.
While not openly pushing for the removal of VAR, former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks is very critical of the system in his most recent BBC column.
He says: “After seeing the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Coventry, I am more convinced than ever that technology in football is no longer a benefit, but rather a burden.
“In any other generation, the offside call made by VAR would have been considered level. Even with the electronic lines, which are supposed to give the viewing public with some assurance, the neutral observer was left with the impression that the Coventry player had received no benefit – and all we could see was a sense of injustice.
“Meanwhile, the headline from Goodison Park during Everton’s match against Nottingham Forest was all about the person controlling the equipment.
“The reality is that most of the technology utilized in football undermines the game while gradually and carefully eroding its valuable traditions. Celebrations are muted, no one knows what a handball or offside is anymore, and no one understands penalties.
“Those who insisted that technology be brought into the game certainly have a lot to answer for.”
United gave up a 3-0 lead at Wembley Stadium and were only saved from a humiliating defeat in extra time by a VAR intervention when Haji Wright was deemed to be offside, ruling out Victor Torp’s last-gasp winner for the Sky Blues.
Forest, meanwhile, issued an extraordinary statement on social media immediately following their 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park, claiming they had been denied three clear penalties and claiming they had “warned” match officials body PGMOL that VAR for the game Stuart Attwell supported their relegation rivals Luton Town. The club is still waiting for the results of an FA inquiry into their outburst.
