Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens support the Premier League’s Match Centre account on X, which aims to enhance clarity regarding VAR decisions.
During a September 2023 match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, referee Simon Hooper praised his VAR team for conducting a smooth review after Luis Díaz was ruled offside. However, he was unaware of a significant mistake; Díaz was actually onside, and the goal should have counted. Hooper’s remarks have since become a lasting source of mockery for Premier League referees, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of VAR in English football.
Almost a year later, Hooper’s comments continue to resurface on social media, especially when English officials make controversial decisions, creating a backlash of sarcastic responses. Changing the negative perceptions surrounding VAR is a daunting challenge for Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer, who acknowledges that fans have grown increasingly frustrated after five seasons marked by high-profile errors.
Webb emphasizes the need to redirect the narrative around VAR, focusing on transparency and emphasizing its intended purpose, which is to address clear mistakes rather than involve itself in subjective calls. He recognizes that total agreement on decisions is unrealistic and sets an objective to provide clarity and manage expectations surrounding VAR.
New initiatives, such as live updates on VAR reviews, aim to improve communication on matchdays but have taken an extended period to implement. The Premier League is also considering shifting away from the “clear and obvious” standard, possibly adopting a “referee’s call” approach that could prioritize on-field decisions.
However, speed remains a pressing issue, as VAR reviews have been criticized for their prolonged duration, especially in comparison to the quicker processes observed during Euro 2024. Webb points to the need for efficiency, urging referees to avoid overanalyzing situations.
Furthermore, fan dissatisfaction continues to grow. In contrast, some leagues, such as Norway’s Eliteserien, have seen significant protests against VAR, with some clubs rejecting its implementation altogether. These situations demonstrate the potential for leagues to reconsider their use of VAR, particularly if major discontent persists.
The challenge for English referees also extends to the international landscape, where Webb admits there is a need for more English referees at UEFA’s top levels. Despite some individuals being promoted, overall, England lags behind its counterparts in other major leagues in terms of representation and progression.
As the Premier League prepares for a new campaign, the same issues regarding VAR remain at the forefront. Although there are plans for improvements and the introduction of new technologies, skepticism lingers among fans, who await tangible progress in officiating standards and the management of the controversial VAR system.