The Premier League has a problem with VAR, and it’s not clear how it’s going to solve it.
The figures show that VAR does it’s job. Since its implementation, close to 99% of refereeing decisions are correct compared to 91% before VAR.
If that was the only effect it had on the game, it would be a roaring success. However, its influence on the Premier League goes far beyond that.
In many ways, the video assistant referee is overshadowing the football itself, because nobody can stop talking about it.
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Instead of helping referees, it has thrust them further into the spotlight. This is because, conversely, despite helping to get more decisions right, it has not lead to increased consistency in decision making.
As a result, we spend our time pouring over the refereeing decisions rather than the actual football. Instead of reducing officiating controversy, it has amplified it ten fold.
As well as that, there is less football being played. Fouls are being called constantly. The sight of defenders running back towards their own goal with their hands behind their back for fear of giving away a handball is as bizarre for viewers as imasculting as it must be for them.
Then we get to the red and yellow cards. The number of red cards this season has soared, and it is now far too easy to get sent off.
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A mistime challenge, a trailing leg, the ball hitting a hand. These should not be criteria for a red card. To get a red card a player should have to behave like a bastard. Intentionally hurt the opponent or cynically take him down to deny an opportunity.
Ask the players, none of them know the rules anymore. If the situation continues the quality of the football we’re viewing will continue to deteriorate.
