Harry Maguire’s Call for VAR Changes
Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire has voiced his opinion on the use of VAR in the Premier League, advocating for significant changes in the upcoming season.
Opinion on VAR Usage
Maguire suggests that VAR should be eliminated for incidents involving penalties and red cards due to its subjective nature. He believes that VAR should only be utilized for offside decisions, which he considers factual and not based on personal interpretation.
Concerns About VAR
Expressing concerns about the impact of VAR on the game, Maguire mentioned that the technology can lead to divided opinions among players and dampen goal celebrations, particularly in cases of offside decisions.
VAR Debate Among Players and Clubs
Maguire’s stance comes in the wake of Wolves proposing a vote on scrapping the VAR system, highlighting a growing debate within the football community.
Views from Other Clubs
While some players and clubs, like Manchester United, are critical of VAR and its implications, others, such as Liverpool, continue to support the system despite experiencing officiating errors.
Support for VAR Scrapping
Supporters, like the Wolves 1877 Supporters Trust, are pleased with the proposal to remove VAR from the Premier League, citing a loss of enjoyment and minimal benefits associated with the technology.
Championship Clubs and VAR
Despite the Premier League’s backing of VAR, Championship clubs are hesitant to introduce the system in the second tier next season, influenced by the Premier League’s VAR experiences and cost considerations.
Fans’ Perspective on VAR
The Football Supporters’ Association’s survey revealed that a majority of fans are against the continued use of VAR, citing concerns about decision-making time, impact on goal celebrations, and overall satisfaction with the technology.
Need for Improvements
While the Premier League remains supportive of VAR, there is an acknowledgment of the need for improvements to address the challenges and criticisms raised by players, clubs, and fans.