The wonderfully juxtaposing tool in the beautiful game

VAR. Video Assistant Referee. You either love it, or loathe it. For many years now, across the top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, there have been countless incidents where referees and fourth officials have been under such scrutiny, due to their inability to make decisions in a quick period of time. 

VAR was brought in to help the referee if the referee himself was unsure of what decision to award after an incident, and was meant to be a quick process, no longer than a minute. This way, the right decision would be concluded, and the game would not lose all momentum. Unfortunately, more often than not, various incidents such as wrong-fully awarded penalties, goals and red cards have been prominent, leading to massive controversy among fans, with some wanting to scrap the whole process, and some eager to give more leniency.

There have been some serious implications though, as a result of poor decisions from the VAR team. During the 21/22 season, current Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri appeared to have deliberately handballed in the box, to control the ball before clearing. To all football fans, it was a clear, obvious and deliberate handball, however nothing was awarded, and later on in the season was a big moment in the title race.

 A few seasons on, during the 23/24 campaign, Tottenham hosted Liverpool. Tottenham ran out victorious, winning 2-1, but Liverpool fans will feel they were robbed of a clear and obvious goal, with Luis Diaz being flagged offside. Even after a brief VAR check, the goal was still chalked off, leading to massive uproar among the Merseyside side, and even Tottenham fans will feel right to admit it was a total robbery. 

So, VAR, whether you love it or loathe it, it will be a massive moment and factor in the beautiful game!