The Controversial State of VAR in the Premier League
VAR has been a topic of debate since its introduction to the Premier League, and the recent Everton vs. Aston Villa match highlighted the frustrations surrounding the technology. Both sets of fans were left disappointed after a disallowed goal, leading to chants of “VAR is fucking shit” echoing through Goodison Park.
One of the major concerns when VAR was introduced was how it would impact match-going fans. This season, those concerns have become a reality as games regularly exceed the 50-minute mark due to lengthy checks. The Everton vs. Aston Villa match was no exception.
In the match, left-back Alex Moreno scored an early goal for Villa, only for it to be disallowed after a four-minute VAR check. The delay seemed excessive, especially considering the focus of the check was on whether Clement Lenglet was blocking Jordan Pickford’s vision. Eventually, the goal was chalked off due to an offside in the buildup.
The frustration felt by fans was evident on social media, with many expressing their dissatisfaction with VAR. Comments ranged from calling it a “mess” and “shite” to stating that it is “ruining the beautiful game.” The sentiment was clear: VAR is sucking the life out of football.
While it seems unlikely that VAR will be scrapped from use in the Premier League, improvements must be made. The standard of the officials in charge of the technology needs to be addressed. Fans are tired of seeing the same names, such as Tierney and Coote, involved in controversial decisions.
VAR may be here to stay, but it is essential that changes are made to ensure its effectiveness and minimize disruption to the game. Otherwise, the frustration and dissatisfaction among fans will continue to grow.