VAR comes under fire from EPL coaches

The promise was that it would lead to “more correct and fairer judgements”, even though the Premier League conceded that 100 per cent accuracy was impossible

VAR comes under fire from EPL coaches

Arsenal manager Arteta during the recent defeat to Newcastle where he was upset with some of the VAR calls. Pic/AFP

VAR was supposed to help cut out egregious and costly refereeing mistakes but the technology has come under heavy fire from Premier League managers who have lost faith in the system. The video assistant referee was introduced in the 2019/20 season for “clear and obvious errors” or “serious missed incidents” in specific situations. The promise was that it would lead to “more correct and fairer judgements”, even though the Premier League conceded that 100 per cent accuracy was impossible.

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But feelings are running high after high-profile incidents that have overshadowed the action on the pitch. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta launched a blistering attack on the decision to let Newcastle’s goal stand after his team’s 1-0 defeat last weekend, labelling it a “disgrace”. Anthony Gordon’s second half goal was checked for three separate VAR offences but survived them all to earn Newcastle the three points. “We didn’t deserve to lose the match,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. A disgrace.”

The Spaniard’s comments were made in the heat of the moment but the club came out strongly in support of their manager in a statement the following day. “Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” Arsenal said.

‘Managers not speaking enough about VAR’

West Ham boss David Moyes believes managers do not want to speak out about VAR controversies because they are either ignored, fined or both. Moyes feels managers of clubs outside the elite group usually do not get listened to, and when they are noticed they get hit in the pocket.

“We’re all pretty disappointed with lots of aspects but we’re also all very much in favour of trying to make it work,” said Moyes. “I just think we’ve all been disappointed with some of the officiating this season. My single opinion wouldn’t matter a jot. They’ll do what they need to do. “When we’re putting it over it’s not getting much clout at the other end. You can ask us but we feel that we’re not getting an awful lot back when we’re giving it back to the officials or whoever.”

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