VAR: Boon or Bane?

 

Ever since its introduction, VAR has sparked controversies all around the globe. While it was believed before its introduction that it would reduce the human errors and provide the referees a second chance to rectify their mistakes, it now has left us pondering whether technology intervention was required in the first place. 

 

 

The good point is that no foul committed can possibly go unnoticed but the disadvantages are far more with the most disturbing being it stops the flow of the game every now and then and this doesn’t augur well for the beautiful game as the frequent stoppages are disturbing both for the players and the audiences. By this time, we already know there have been a record number of penalties awarded in this season’s Premier League and credit goes to VAR for awarding them without much hesitation. For the first time ever we saw a team score after the final whistle. Yes, you heard that right. Manchester United’ s game against Brighton was completed but to many people’s surprise, the referee pointed to the spot for an earlier foul on an United player after consulting with the VAR team after the final whistle which ultimately led them to a win over Brighton and Hove Albion, although Brighton were the much better team throughout hitting a record number of 5 woodworks, a Premier League record.

 

 

OFFSIDES, how can we not mention this one!! It has become increasingly difficult to not be in an offside position with the introduction of VAR. Seriously your nose, elbow, hand and what not can cost your team a goal. The slightest of margins gets noticed and deny the teams what they crave for, the most recent one being the goal of Jordan Henderson against Everton. An exquisite pass from Thiago Alcantara found Sadio Mane who provided to his captain and no mistake was made in coolly slotting it home, sending Liverpool fans to a frenzy as that had been a winner but then came VAR and ruled Sadio offside. Its been tough to decipher what actually ruled Mane offside. Have a look on the crazy offside and decide for yourself if it was a fair decision or not.