I’m so so pleased that the long-awaited YouGov (global public opinion and data company) survey has been released.
And it reflected the disappointment and frustration VAR has created in football.
A total of 1 419 supporters across Great Britain were interviewed and here’s the main findings: 74 percent of fans want the Premier League to continue using the system, while seven out of 10 (70 percent) felt it made watching games less enjoyable.
So the general feeling is that VAR can work, but not in its current format.
Just one in 25 fans believe VAR has worked ‘very well’, another 26 percent said it has worked ‘very badly’ and 34 percent ‘fairly badly’.
When asked what the negatives are and how to solve them, fans seeing VAR video footage in real-time (in stadiums) proved most popular (80 percent), however football lawmakers have barred the screening of video clips or still pics until a referee’s decision has been made.
This was followed by "52 percent strong support" for on-field referees to use the pitch-side monitor.
Hearing conversations between VAR and the on-field referee came next with 43 percent and a time limit on VAR decisions (42 percent).
All-in-all, a clear statement established from fans, which has been mirrored by comments coaches and players have made as well.
Jose Mourinho reckons that having a VAR screen for coaches in the dugout “is not good for emotions”.
FRESH NEW OUTLOOK: Jose Mourinho is critical of VAR
Pundit Jamie Carragher simply said: “Keep it but tweak it”.
I personally feel that the final version of VAR is a long way away and while real situation football is the only true way to test it, the current format is spoiling the viewing experience.
I’m sure the system will go through a process of reviews over the next couple of seasons, hopefully getting to a point that eradicates the controversy it has ironically created.
A change in the offside rule, like giving an attacking player the advantage would help clean up most of the issues we are experiencing.
Also absolute clarity on rules that seem to be interpreted differently by different refs week-in-week-out, like the ball striking a hand in the box.
I’d be really pleased if they scrapped it altogether, but pro-VAR supporters will say “but you’re always kicking and screaming about wrong decisions”.
Yes, we all do, but I maintain human error is all part of the game, it’s unfair sometimes, it’s advantageous sometimes. It balances out
CONTROVERSY: Fans are demanding VAR changes
Maybe if the system got to a stage where the knobs at VAR HQ and officials on the pitch got everything right (as it’s supposed to do) there’d be no debate to be had.
As it stands, it’s nowhere near the finished product I agree with Jose, it’s not good for emotions - annoys me just thinking about it!
By the way, this "winter break" business is a right bore as well. As I say so often, sounding like an old scratched record, football just ain’t what it used to be.
But anyway, it's Chelsea v Manchester United on Monday night yesssss!