The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has sparked a furor across the Premier League. Controversial decisions generate controversy nearly every week, keeping the issue in the news. For weeks, recent matches have illustrated the fact that there is no solid standard of officiating, leaving players, managers, and fans confused and frustrated in equal measure. In fact, the recent cases of Bruno Guimarães, of Nicolas Jackson and of Tyrone Mings have cast VAR’s role under the microscope yet again.
In a match that exemplified the very best and worst of VAR, this was an instance where VAR clearly should have intervened on a key moment with Guimarães. The Young Boys midfielder charged forward, sending his arm across the face of Jorginho and catching the midfielder’s face with his arm. Most of the soccer viewing public thought this was a red card offense. When it was confirmed that VAR support was lacking in this case, people understandably raised their eyebrows. In between, Jackson got a red card for an entirely different incident, raising even more questions about the technology’s efficacy and consistency.
Multiple Incidents Raise Questions
The match saw other extraordinary incidents, including substitute Axel Tuanzebe colliding with Brentford’s Collins. Tuanzebe had both arms around Collins’ neck. In retaliation, the Brentford player committed a dumb act of descent by putting the palm of his hand on top of Tuanzebe’s head. It all came to a head pretty darn fast. Just about everyone thought that a penalty must be given for the clear non-footballing act that occurred.
Referee Michael Oliver reversed his decision to award a penalty kick for an interference that created the opportunity for Matheus Cunha. Otherwise, Cunha would’ve had a clear shot on goal here when Mats Wieffer took him down just outside the area. This was a clear denial of a goal-scoring opportunity. The awarding of a penalty divided opinion. This decision drove some fans to claim Cunha was hosed and robbed of a precious scoring opportunity.
Even with the controversy and debate over why that penalty call was made, it was apparent that VAR’s intervention was required. Lack of clear and consistent decision-making directly affects the short-term results of games. It continues to weaken the overall integrity of the league.
“You don’t know what you’re doing.” – Nottingham Forest fans
Late Drama and VAR Decisions
The drama would not end there, as in another match Liverpool came close to scoring a shocking late winner themselves. Van Dijk had an early header tipped onto the post by David Raya, but Andrew Robertson capped a fine start by reacting quickest to sweep in the rebound. Liverpool’s ecstasy was short-lived when official Paul Taylor controversially deemed a foul in the build-up. Had the foul not been whistled, the goal would’ve potentially stood. Even if that were the case, it wouldn’t have changed the play on which it happened.
As the clock diverted attention from the runners-up, Fulham made one last, desperate dash. Adama Traoré stormed up the right flank, looking to whip a ball into the box. Referee John Brooks gets it right, issuing a yellow for a reckless challenge. At the same time, VAR official Darren England was watching the incident with an eye toward calling a red card. Fans and pundits alike held their breath wondering if VAR would do the right thing for once. The weekend’s previous rulings had made enough of a splash.
This season has been marked by a notable scarcity of penalties awarded for handball offenses, with only nine given throughout all Premier League matches so far. This has led to a new wave of scrutiny on referees and VAR officials. On the field, fans are left to wonder if they understand the laws of the game as well as officials.
Grappling and Set Piece Controversies
In a different match with Brentford, players Christian Nørgaard and Jack Taylor received yellow cards for tangling when they were in a catching-up position on set-piece scenarios. Their mistakes were compounded when, on their third attempt at the same set piece, they allowed Brentford to score. This inconsistency in officiating, even beyond VAR’s role in this discussion, calls into question referees’ capacity and competency to manage games.
Tyrone Mings faced scrutiny after he escaped a red card for an elbow during a heated exchange on the pitch. The absence of any repercussions for such a blatant act made the case for VAR’s incompetence even stronger. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson’s dismissal for an incident earlier in the match highlighted an ongoing concern regarding how different actions are assessed under the same rules.
Players and fans are taking to social media to express their outrage over the confusing and controversial officiating decisions. It is evident that the Premier League should address these challenges head-on. Each week, the call for more transparent guidance on the use of VAR grows louder. Supporters are pushing harder than ever to hold these officials accountable.
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