Football: VAR
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported that, according to a survey by the Football Supporters' Association (FSA), 75% of fans of the clubs of the English Premier League (EPL) are opposed to the use of the video assistant referee (VAR).
Almost 8,000 fans, of whom the majority are regular matchgoers, with more than half attending at least 15 games a season. responded to the survey,
90% of them disagreed that the introduction of the technology has improved the matchday experience; and 91% of them considered that VAR has harmed the spontaneity of goal celebrations.
And 94% of them disagreed that VAR makes watching football on television more enjoyable.
A spokesperson for the FSA commented:
"The results show that most fans want VAR removed."
And added:
"We've all lived with VAR for so long now that we've seen the negative impact it's had on the game.”
In response to the survey, the EPL remarked:
"We recognise the importance of minimising the impact of VAR on the supporter experience. As part of ongoing dialogue with supporters, Premier League research indicates fans are largely in favour of keeping VAR but improving the way it is used."
However, 72% of the EPL fans are against using VAR to check if corners have been correctly awarded, and 52% of fans are against using VAR to check if second yellow cards have been fairly awarded, both of which will be used at the forthcoming FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
