VAR, or Video Assistant Referee, has been a topic of great controversy in the world of football. Many fans and players have expressed their frustration with the system, including Sir Geoff Hurst, England’s 1966 World Cup hero. While he believes that goal-line technology, which may have ruled out his own second goal in the final, should stay, he is adamant that VAR is ruining the game.
Sir Geoff argues that VAR is a “joke” that not only delays the game but also takes away the joy of celebrating a goal. He believes that the system leads to more bad decisions and takes too long for officials to make a ruling. According to him, VAR is spoiling the spectacle for both players and fans alike.
The debate over whether Sir Geoff’s second goal in the 1966 World Cup Final actually crossed the line still rages on. Similarly, in 2010, Frank Lampard’s goal against Germany in the World Cup was infamously ruled out despite clearly crossing the line. It was incidents like these that led to the introduction of goal-line technology. Sir Geoff acknowledges that goal-line technology has its merits and has been a positive addition to the game.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Euros, Sir Geoff is optimistic about England’s chances. He believes that the current crop of young players is the best the country has had since 1966. In particular, he singles out Jude Bellingham, praising his performances at such a young age. Sir Geoff compares Bellingham to legends like George Best and Bobby Charlton, highlighting his potential and impact on the team.
When it comes to watching football, Sir Geoff reveals that he uses his iPad to watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer. However, he admits to skipping the post-match analysis, criticizing pundits for offering their subjective opinions. He believes that some commentators are ineffective and simply waffle on without providing meaningful insights.
Beyond football, Sir Geoff is an advocate for digital skills among older generations. He encourages older individuals to embrace technology to enhance their quality of life. Sir Geoff himself uses the internet for banking and ticket purchases, as well as to stay connected with his family through platforms like WhatsApp. However, he acknowledges that if he encounters any issues or scams, he relies on his children or grandchildren for assistance.
In conclusion, Sir Geoff Hurst’s perspective on VAR sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding its impact on football. While he supports goal-line technology, he firmly believes that VAR is ruining the game by causing delays and taking away the joy of celebrating goals. His insights into the current England squad and his passion for digital skills among older generations add depth to his opinions and offer a unique perspective on the broader football landscape.