VAR has been a hot topic since it was introduced in the Premier League, with research showing what fans in the top flight think about the technology, which is often controversial.
VAR was introduced to the Premier League in 2019 (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The Premier League has responded to a survey showing the majority of fans oppose the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee). The technology was introduced in 2019 and has been a hot topic among fans and experts ever since.
A survey of just under 8,000 fans by the Football Supporters Association (FSA) found that 75 per cent did not support the use of VAR. Additionally, 90% disagreed with the statement that its introduction improved the match day experience.
In response, the Premier League pointed to its own research and statistics showing that VAR is having a positive impact on matches. They said in a statement: “We recognize the importance of minimizing the impact VAR has on the supporter experience.
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“As part of our ongoing dialogue with supporters, Premier League research shows that fans are largely in favor of retaining VAR, but in favor of improving how it is used.” They added: “VAR provides more accurate decisions.
“In recent seasons, there have been around 100 correct VAR overturns per season, with goals incorrectly awarded or denied, red cards and penalties missed or incorrectly awarded.
Pitchside VAR screen used at Old Trafford. (Image: Richard Sellers/Sports Photo/All Star via Getty Images)
“The league prioritizes referee decisions and has set high standards for VAR intervention. As a result, there is less intervention in the Premier League than in other European leagues, such as the Champions League, where VAR intervention occurs almost twice as often.”
Since its introduction, VAR has undergone several adjustments, including the introduction of semi-automatic offside. This season, referees sometimes announced their decisions over the stadium’s speaker system.
Despite these changes, fans surveyed still expressed distaste for the system. “This result shows that most fans want VAR removed,” FSA Premier League network manager Thomas Concannon told BBC Sport.
“We have all lived with VAR for a long time and have seen the negative impact it has on the game. People are frustrated by the time it takes, frustrated by the accuracy, frustrated by the (impact on) spontaneity.
“It takes away the real meaning of football and what makes it special.” It was recently reported that refereeing errors on the pitch and by VAR have increased in most categories in this season’s Premier League.
BBC Sport last week reported figures from the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) Committee, which announced that there were four more errors by referees in its latest report. This brings the total for the season to 54, compared to 44 at the same stage last season.
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