Premier League confirmed that teams are set to vote against the use of VAR at the annual general meeting next month in Harrogate. The Wolves put out a statement proposing to scrap the technology from the start of next season. This will now lead to a vote between the 20 teams in the PL. A total of 14 votes will lead to VAR being scrapped from the Premier League.
“There is no blame to be placed — we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football — and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success. However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future, ” said the statement made by the Wolves on proposing the removal of VAR.
The technology was first adopted by the Premier League in 2019. Since then it has sparked a widespread debate across the UK on whether it’s helping the sport. While many players and managers have expressed their disappointment towards the use of VAR, stats suggest that it has led to 96% of correct decisions in games as opposed to 82% before its introduction.
This season particularly has seen a lot of mistakes made by VAR. One of the most high-profile ones came in November when Newcastle was awarded a goal against Arsenal in the game at St James’ Park. Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the game, but it led to a lot of controversy as VAR did not seem to pick a lot of things in the build-up to the goal.
Is VAR taking the excitement away from football?
VAR’s introduction to the world of football came officially at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Initially, it seemed to be the technology that transformed the game and took errors out of it, but as time has progressed it has complicated football. Throughout the seasons many controversial decisions have been made because of VAR and it has led to many fiery debates among pundits.
However, one thing everyone can agree on is the fact that it takes the excitement away from the game. A player has to now wait for a VAR check to confirm that he has scored a goal. Confirming the legality of a goal is necessary, but it has a big effect on the atmosphere in the stadium.
In their statement, Wolves mentioned a host of repercussions that have to be faced because of VAR. Their opening two points indicate how the time taken to confirm a decision hampers the passion of the fans and the players.
Undoubtedly, VAR has had some good calls as well, but it is the bad calls that often grab the headlines. However, adopting an expensive technology should come error-free, and if not it shouldn’t be adopted.
Former Machester United player Wayne Rooney had similar views. In his recent appearance on Sky Sports, he said, “You’re a goalscorer, you score a goal and you have to wait to celebrate and for the fans having to wait to celebrate. Then they are getting decisions wrong, you’re better off letting the referee’s ref it. Understand, they will make mistakes but I’d much rather see it without.”
