Introducing Video Assitant Referees in Football; helpful or regretful?

The ever advancing world of technology has been integrated into our beloved sports, providing greater accuracy and a new spectacle for viewers globally. Video Assistant Referee's (VAR) are late to the scene; but thats not to say the technology doesnt arrive with great intrigue.

So, after years upon years of various cases of footballing controversy, the decision was finally made to introduce VAR to the footballing world. Greater accuracy, less conflict and hopefully greater peace amongst football fans was to achieved. They were wrong; The footballing community has never been struck with greater controversy.

The introduction of any technology can mean that the experience of spectators changes – and not necessarily for the better. Technology minimises error, which is of vital importance in today’s big-money sporting contests. But it also means a goal can be scored, celebrated and then disallowed, meaning that spectators at the stadium do not act spontaneously. Instead of being able to jump up and down in delight at their team scoring, they have to wait on technology. It’s just not the same.

"I think they are the thoughts of every Premier League player, not just me - pretty much everyone doesn't want VAR in the game. There have been so many decisions this season that have been absolutely crazy. They were celebrating VAR like it was a goal and football should not be like that."

So where does the future of the VAR stand?

Surely it is ruining the traditional game and it should be removed once and for all. The game existed well without the contribution from refereeing assistants of it, so why is it needed moving forward?

Is a sacrafice of decisiveness and a justice to be made to bring back the fun fuelled excitement?

Conor Corry

Information Systems

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