The Guardian - Fans hate video assistant referees but they are here to stay and the Euros offered encouragement for the new season
No one likes VAR. In fact, that’s probably understating it. A survey by the Football Supporters’ Association revealed that 95% of fans – be they at home or in the stands – found video refereeing technology made their experience of watching a game less enjoyable in 2021. Only 26% were in favour of keeping VAR.
Evidence for the disenchantment can be found online, where Sky Sports has three YouTube compilations featuring the worst “VAR controversies” from last season. Patrick Bamford’s offside arm, Sadio Mané’s pixel-wide offside in the Merseyside derby, Lee Mason disallowing a Brighton goal against West Brom, allowing it again, then having the decision overturned, and a ton of stuff involving Harry Maguire. It’s all there. This is the background against which the new season begins. Continue reading...
