This past weekend saw more criticism of refereeing and VAR following contentious decisions that had an impact on the outcomes at St. James’ Park, St.amford Bridge, Old Trafford, and other venues.
VAR, which some people incorrectly hold up as a remedy, is shaky. But it was always going to happen.
Here are six reasons why VAR implementation is currently having trouble and will always have trouble.
VAR was ostensibly implemented in reaction to media, football management, and fans’ and supporters’ fury, both in person at games and, increasingly, online. That was never going to be a platform that could support its execution because the indignation would never be satisfied.
Elite and amateur referees alike did not require any additional strain or inspection. Due to a pervasive verbal and physical abuse culture, the numbers in the grassroots game are in crisis. If it hasn’t already, that will have an impact at the highest level. There must be a bottom-to-top drip feed for referees to advance from amateur to professional levels, and if there aren’t enough amateur refs, this conveyor belt will grind to a halt. We will actually run out if the abuse culture keeps up at its current rate.
