VAR Discussion Thread | 2024/25

[halfcenturyup]

It’s true, it’s a pointless debate that goes round in circles- I point out a handball goal being given and no doubt later there will be a controversial incident where var have got the wrong decision and the arguments go on.
I don’t want perfection and I don’t expect that. I just want a ref to have a second look with tech help or goals like that one today to be rightly ruled out.

But you don't seem to understand that wherever VAR draws the line with their involvement will be a permanent blight on their performance.

Rudiger a second yellow card for his typical act of thuggery? No, that would be crazy. Henderson penalised for deliberately handling the ball outside the area? No, are you serious? I know, though - let's look at giving corners correctly. What did you say? Look at throw-ins as well? Crazy talk, we don't want to re-referee the game.

However you dress it up, VAR was meant to eliminate Henry's handball howler, the two metre offside goal United got at Spurs, the ball a yard over the line, goal not given against United (again, unsurprisingly) - no-one would have any problem with correcting absolute howlers but, for crying out loud, just do what it said on the tin when we all bought it.

And yes, I do see the contradiction in what I am saying. Drawing the line at absolute howlers is as unsatisfactory as drawing it where it is now. That's the fundamental problem with all of it.

By the way, I looked at the Norwich goal. The ball bounced up off his legs and accidentally hit his hand. It was hardly Henry-esque. Now, he was a cheating ****. Don't blame the referee for having to apply rules that he can't possibly judge in real-time on field. Blame the stupid rules that are written to try and ease the VAR burden.

It used to be such a simple game.