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Another week, another controversy surfaces regarding the use of VAR. Dotted lines are drawn, erased and redrawn, Roberto Firmino is now offside, or so Martin Atkinson claims from the VAR Hub in Stockley Park. It is the most dubious example of VAR witnessed, with all angles showing the Brazilian forward to be onside.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s shot is then blocked by a raised hand in the box – no penalty, no review. Liverpool’s unbeaten run is in peril before late goals from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane rescue all three points. This match would have been looked back on if the Reds dropped points and narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in May.VAR will only be welcomed once there is no controversy. The principles are fine; it’s about eliminating crucial refereeing errors – but the technology is being mishandled by those operating it. More cynical fans will say it’s biased, others would hope it is a case of incompetence.Mistakes will happen, but there are some things which should never be wrong. Yes, fouls are subjective – we can accept the ‘not a clear and obvious error’ argument, but the problem is when decisions which should be objective are not given; offsides and handball. Just one day passed before further VAR controversy when Dele Alli’s handball against Everton did not result in a penalty. Video technology must eliminate all elements of doubt in these cases, decisions must be conclusive – VAR is currently failing at this aspect.The recent catalogue of errors allows fans to rightfully question the point of VAR. Why should it be used if it is having the reverse effect by adding more ambiguity? At the same time, there is a place for its use in football. No team’s final league position should be decided by a poor refereeing decision.Whether the Premier League make changes to the use of video technology or advise officials on how to operate it, it’s time to start getting the big calls right.By Adam Brown @AdamMNVi
