I know what you’re thinking. No more VAR discussion needed!
But the problem is that we know VAR is useless. Soccer’s legislators have decided that it is the present and the future, and that’s it. But how can we improve the current system?
The technology was once again in the spotlight after Liverpool’s canceled goal in their defeat to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
The result remained unchanged, but the Reds will be without Dominik Szoboszlai for Wednesday night’s trip to Sunderland, while City will be hoping to avoid missing out on the title by a single point.
After a long delay, the right decision is finally reached, but at what cost?
Our reporters give their opinions on how VAR should be adjusted to avoid us all banging our heads against the wall…
read more: Former Premier League referee explains why VAR was right in Man City vs. Liverpool controversyread more: Man City star has the last laugh as Marc Guehi bites back at Liverpool’s boos
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john cross
You can’t go back to VAR. So we have to move forward.
My idea is very simple. is to introduce a VAR team on set. If you have the same referee, the same linos, the same team, the same VAR.
This will help build understanding between groups. It provides a level of consistency that is missing from Premier League matches.
There will also be a clearer understanding between groups about when VAR intervenes, what constitutes a handball, whether a red card should be given for denying a clear and obvious scoring opportunity, and all sorts of subjective decisions.
Yes, I understand that it only covers consistency within each group. But anything that can be done to raise standards and increase understanding is a good thing.
Currently, the Professional Game Match Official (PGMO) says that although the number of VARs has decreased (but there are more specialized VARs), it is almost impossible to field a team. why? This is because each week certain referees cannot play matches because they are known as supporters. Like Michael Oliver and Newcastle, for example.
That’s a tall order. But in my opinion it would be helpful if possible. Fans, players and managers just want consistency.
Jeremy Cross
Players confused at Anfield (Image: Getty Images)
The obvious choice would be to scrap it. But it means football’s rulers admit that introducing it in the first place was a big mistake.
So if such a farcical process has to continue, why not elect people with common sense and brains to use it?
You can have all the technology in the world, but if you can’t interpret a scenario with some level of intelligence, there’s no point in having technology in the first place.
That leads to a hilarious scenario at Anfield. The entire system needs to be completely overhauled for next season.
For example, offside should be recognized immediately rather than allowing play to continue and risking injury to a player.
Andy Dunn
If you think VAR is a tortuous and flawed process today, just wait until they start using it for second yellow cards and sending offs at the World Cup. This should make things go a little faster.
Coincidentally, what happened after the end of the Liverpool vs. Manchester City match is actually a rare occurrence and should not be used as a stick to beat VAR. It was strange, but VAR introduced the rule.
However, the fundamental problem with VAR is clearly that some interventions take an prohibitive amount of time.
That is why we need to re-establish “clear and unequivocal” principles, if they were established in the first place.
And to keep VAR officials focused on that principle, the process of referring referees to pitchside TV monitors could be scrapped.
If VAR’s decision is final, will he or she intervene in borderline situations? In push-pull situations? In a controversial handball situation?
It will save you at least a little time. And anything that saves even a little time in modern football is welcome.
What would you do to improve VAR? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Dan Marsh
My biggest complaint with VAR is that it doesn’t do what it says it does. VAR is meant for “clear and obvious errors” but sadly it feels like the people running it are completely out of touch when they need it most.
Clear and obvious means clear and obvious. And yet, how many phone calls have we seen that are completely absurd? The introduction of technology doesn’t have to hinder the game. Look at goal line technology and how effective it is. No thrills, no fuss. Sadly, I can’t see VAR following suit.
In terms of how to make things more bearable, I’m not against putting a cap on timing. Basically, if you have to look at something 10 times to see if it’s compromised, it’s not clear and obvious. Give the Stockley Park guru 60 seconds to identify the breach or continue play. No more quick 5-minute surveys.
If you’re stuck with VAR, at least get rid of these ridiculously long waiting times.
james whaling
I watch all kinds of sports besides soccer, but rest assured that video technology isn’t perfect for any sport. But soccer is the worst. In terms of distance.
So what can soccer learn from other sports with smoother processes? I think cricket is generally the best example of using technology sparingly to maximum effect.
It all depends on whether the captain reconsiders decisions he disagrees with on the field. Three failed challenges are allowed per innings in Test matches, after which on-field decisions stand.
In rugby league, there is also something called the captain’s challenge. Each team is allowed one failed challenge per game. If the evidence is inconclusive, the referee’s decision stands, but the team suspends review.
I think if each football captain was given two failed challenges per game, the number of long reviews would be cut down and only game-changing moments would be reviewed. As captains, we don’t want our challenge to go to waste.
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