Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is a system used in football (or soccer) to assist match officials in making decisions on the field. The controversial change to the way football referring conducted has become a noticable event in football history.
It was first introduced in the sport in 2016 and has since been implemented in numerous competitions worldwide. The system uses video footage and other technologies, such as offside cameras, to review certain decisions made by the on-field referees. The VAR system can be used to correct mistakes in four key areas: goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity.
History of VAR
VAR technology was first tested in a football match in 2012, during a friendly match between Italy and Netherlands. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) then approved the use of VAR in 2016, and it was first used in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. The following year, the VAR system was used in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The use of VAR technology has been met with mixed reactions from the football community. Some argue that it improves the accuracy of refereeing decisions, while others say that it disrupts the flow of the game and can lead to confusion among players, fans, and officials.
Controversies surrounding VAR
Despite its introduction to improve the accuracy of the decisions, VAR has been the center of controversies and criticism from many quarters. Some of the most controversial decisions made using VAR include the disallowance of a goal scored by Manchester United in a match against Tottenham in 2018, and the awarding of a penalty to Manchester City in a match against Liverpool in 2019.
Additionally, many fans and experts have criticized the VAR system for being too slow and disrupting the flow of the game. There have also been complaints about the inconsistency of VAR decisions made across different matches and competitions.
Added to this, it’s frequently made the nuances of the rule book more apparent. Favouring hard rigid decision making over ‘common sense’ – according to fans and pundits alike.
Noticable incidents
- The disallowance of a goal scored by Manchester United in a match against Tottenham in 2018. The goal was disallowed due to an offside decision, which was overturned by the VAR after reviewing the footage.
- The awarding of a penalty to Manchester City in a match against Liverpool in 2019. The penalty was awarded after the VAR determined that a handball had occurred in the Liverpool box.
- The disallowance of a goal scored by Sheffield United in a match against Aston Villa in 2020. The goal was disallowed due to an offside decision, which was overturned by the VAR after reviewing the footage.
- The awarding of a penalty to Manchester United in a match against West Brom in 2021. The penalty was awarded after the VAR determined that a handball had occurred in the West Brom box.
- The disallowance of a goal scored by Manchester City quarter final Champions League clash with Tottenham in 2019. Sterling netted a likely winner in the final minutes only to have it overturned.Overall, VAR technology was introduced with the aim of improving the accuracy of refereeing decisions in football, but it has faced a lot of criticism and controversies.
Despite this, the technology continues to be used in major competitions worldwide, and it is likely that it will continue to be a part of the sport in the future. However, it is important for the football governing bodies and competitions organizers to keep working on making the system more efficient, faster and consistent in its decisions.