We're getting towards the end of the first round of matches and although VAR has worked on a handful of occasions I feel from the first time it was used for Australia vs France, it has generally been a disaster, misused and mismanaged.
If 200 experts, players, pundits and referees can't agree if something is a penalty, how can it be a "clear and obvious" decision. And that is at the crux of the problem in my opinion. Moreover, VAR seems to pick and choose its moments - this evening Ronaldo and Pique escaping sanction, Harry Kane being mauled in the penalty area among the many obvious discrepancies.
We also seem to be getting VAR specialists - Ronaldo gets a penalty or free kick seemingly every time he goes to the floor despite initiating the contact himself.
In my opinion, VAR has a place in the game. It should be used to punish obvious fouls, decisions that the referee has got so obviously wrong. It should be used to stop cheating, diving, punish violent behaviour, awful tackles and feigning injury. But it seems to be promoting the dark arts rather than stopping them as players chance their arms at getting a favourable decision. Referees are often not making decisions in the knowledge that VAR will make them. That can't be right. The one decision VAR got right tonight was giving the Spanish goal - but they did not look to see if the ball had gone out of play before Spain were awarded a corner. But both the Portugal and Spain games were marred by awful VAR decisions/non-decisions basically turning the games into farces.
VAR is ruining the World Cup
posted on 25/6/18
VAR will only work for matters of fact like offside, for everything else there will still be some biased mug in a room somewhere giving his favourite clubs the benefit of doubt, just like the referees on the pitch.
posted on 25/6/18
Biggest problem is as you say the complete randomness of when it is used.
I like the idea but it needs tuning that is for sure.
posted on 25/6/18
I think one of the unintended consequences is that referees are able to change their minds.
It's obvious that the players think badgering the referee can overturn a decision (whether it was right or wrong).
Players from both teams were constantly in the face of the ref in the Portuguese game. It was ridiculous.
As the stakes get higher it's only going to get worse.
posted on 25/6/18
∆∆∆ I don't think my complaint is unfixable though.
FOR A should be laying down the law to all teams before the next round of games.
posted on 26/6/18
The Iran penalty was an absolute farce tonight!
posted on 26/6/18
comment by Sol WNGU (U2745)
posted 1 hour, 33 minutes ago
I think one of the unintended consequences is that referees are able to change their minds.
It's obvious that the players think badgering the referee can overturn a decision (whether it was right or wrong).
Players from both teams were constantly in the face of the ref in the Portuguese game. It was ridiculous.
As the stakes get higher it's only going to get worse.
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Nothing refs couldn't deal with easily enough with a few cards - but it seems they must be under instructions to keep red cards to a minimum.
Also, at World Cups you realise how differently the rules are applied across the globe. If players behaved like that, it's probably because they're used to being allowed that behavious in their home countries.
posted on 26/6/18
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 5 hours, 7 minutes ago
Nothing refs couldn't deal with easily enough with a few cards - but it seems they must be under instructions to keep red cards to a minimum.
Also, at World Cups you realise how differently the rules are applied across the globe. If players behaved like that, it's probably because they're used to being allowed that behavious in their home countries.
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I think you are also correct in that the application of the laws is often very different around the globe. But there are also some extremely bad referees which shouldn't be happening at such a prestigious competition. We can all understand the officials making a mistake or two but completely losing control of a game or making an awful decision even with the use of VAR is inexcusable.
From what I have seen, too many referees are in awe of superstar players. It was really good to see Kuipers telling Neymar to shut up the other night for example. More refs should do that!
posted on 26/6/18
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 26/6/18
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 2 hours, 1 minute ago
I think you are also correct in that the application of the laws is often very different around the globe. But there are also some extremely bad referees which shouldn't be happening at such a prestigious competition. We can all understand the officials making a mistake or two but completely losing control of a game or making an awful decision even with the use of VAR is inexcusable.
From what I have seen, too many referees are in awe of superstar players. It was really good to see Kuipers telling Neymar to shut up the other night for example. More refs should do that!
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I agree. I didn't watch the Portugal-Iran game, but going on what I've heard I'd imagine -or hope- that ref gets sent home now.
I'm not sure how to deal with the other issue, though. I can see why FIFA would want each continent to supply a number of refs.
What I don't know is what it does to ensure it gets the best and most honest refs from each continent (remembering here, as an aside, that two refs were excluded shortly before the WC due to match-fixing and bribery allegations).
I don't know what control FIFA has over each confederation's selection procedures and the behind-the-scenes politicking that goes on to be top of the lists of national and continental refereeing committees.
I'd hope they have independent audits and reports. FIFA could easily afford to send incognito observers/inspectors to random games officiated by international refs as a parallel system to whatever the FAs and Confederations are doing.
I also understand the objections to 'piloting' VAR at a World Cup. Nevertheless, the fact it's reducing the number of serious errors is absolutely beyond question. It needs improving, but despite a couple of farcical instances, the objections about its slowing games have mostly proved unfounded.
Opponents to it being introduced are trying to find new excuses every day. Latest ones I've read are that players have become wise to it (in 90 or 180 minutes) and are playing to the system, which, frankly, is just one more ridiculous addition to an already ridiculous list of objections.
Interestingly, my greatest concern with VAR is how it can actully be used to legitimise the manipulation of a game to produce certain outcomes.
posted on 27/6/18
VAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!