The reliance on technology in football is under scrutiny as VAR has sparked more controversy than the actual gameplay in two recent high-profile matches.
VAR has stirred significant disputes in the Premier League this season, affecting teams like Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Liverpool, and resulting in public apologies for clear mistakes made both on the field and at Stockley Park, where VAR operations are centered.
Even lower-tier teams such as Coventry City have experienced the impact of VAR, following a controversial call in their FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United. This incident has been used to illustrate the ongoing issues with VAR and why it may not be achieving its intended purpose.
He says, “After watching the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Coventry, I am more convinced than ever that technology in football is no longer aiding the game, but rather hindering it.
“In any other era, the offside call made by VAR would have been considered level. Even with the use of electronic lines intended to provide a clear sense of accuracy, the neutral observer could see no evidence of a clear advantage by the Coventry player—and instead felt a sense of injustice.
“Meanwhile, the headline from the match at Goodison Park between Everton and Nottingham Forest was all about the person controlling the technology.
“The truth is, much of the technology used in football is undermining the sport, slowly and gradually eroding its cherished traditions. Goal celebrations are muted, no one is certain about the definitions of handball or offside anymore, and when it comes to penalties, it’s anyone’s guess.”
“Those who pushed for technology to be integrated into football definitely have some explaining to do,” he said.
In the FA Cup semi-final, Manchester United almost faced a major upset at Wembley. After surrendering a 3-0 lead, United were on the brink of elimination in extra time, but a crucial VAR decision ruled Haji Wright offside, disallowing what would have been Victor Torp’s winning goal for Coventry City.
On the same weekend, Nottingham Forest, who lost 2-0 to Everton at Goodison Park, caused an uproar by releasing a statement on social media right after the game. The club claimed they were denied three obvious penalties and mentioned that they had previously warned the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) that the VAR official for the match, Stuart Attwell, was a known supporter of their relegation rivals Luton Town. Forest’s remarks have triggered an FA investigation, the results of which are still pending.
