This seems like such a long time ago, but the main selling point of VAR would be that injustices would be solved on the field and we would see a fairer outcome on the pitch.
The reality has seen confusion on a mass scale as those working the technology don’t really seem to know what they are doing, while it’s making refs do some crazy things too.
They do tend to get most of their decisions right, but they are now being forced to second-guess themselves on the field, while being forced to re-watch things at super-slow speed isn’t helping either.
READ MORE: Video: Thomas Tuchel looks on with astonishment as Timo Werner misses an absolute sitter for Chelsea vs West Ham
We saw another prime example tonight as Balbuena was sent off for West Ham vs Chelsea, and it doesn’t look like there’s any intent here:
RED CARD! ?
Fabian Balbuena is sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh after he caught Ben Chilwell with his follow through.
? Watch on Sky Sports PLpic.twitter.com/mTSoIO1LRy
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) April 24, 2021
One of the main questions here comes down to is this technology actually improving the game? It’s hard to say that it is.
Plenty of fans have had their say on this incident tonight, but it looks like plenty have now just had enough of the terrible officiating with no consequences that we see every week:
Referee should be suspended or demoted for a few weeks for that. Horrendous decision from someone that is either scared to make the right call or doesn’t understand the game
— Matt Timbrell (@Matt_Timbrell) April 24, 2021
This decision is of exactly the same ilk as the Mctominay “foul” on Son. Ultra slow motion coupled with a horrendous knowledge of playing the game at any decent level. Results in decisions like this.
— Ian Atkinson (@IanAkki07) April 24, 2021
That has to be one of the worst decisions ever and there are a few to choose from recently
— Jan Viskoper (@JanViskoper) April 24, 2021
I’m a Chelsea fan but I don’t know what the lad could do there? No malicious intent whatsoever, shocking decision.
— Dylan Broe (@DylanBroe1) April 24, 2021
Absolute joke…even Chelsea should be embarrassed by that, what’s happening to our game!!!
— Matt Brown (@MattBro08766762) April 24, 2021
Never a red card. VAR should be scrapped and the referees need more training, where else is he supposed to put his leg after kicking the ball. Absolute JOKE
— Gary Marriott (@GaryMarriott73) April 24, 2021
VARS is a great tool that will deliver what it is intended to do if given the chance. Unfortunately the people who operate it are the referees who don’t like the idea of being accountable for their decisions, the same reason they don’t get interviewed after a game, and as VARS is able to leave them with nowhere to hide, they are hell bent on making the system look awful until everybody agrees to get rid of it. You need anonymous educated people with no interest in football to operate VARS at an anonymous venue who will then deliver totally unbiased decisions based purely on the rules.