Mounting calls for VAR to be benched
A-LEAGUE bosses will face down more angry criticism of the beleaguered video referee system, in the hope that quicker communication with fans and TV viewers will neutralise some of the antipathy that boiled over during Sydney FC’s derby win on Saturday night.
The second weekend of the A-League season was again dominated by furious debate about the VAR, even after a match-changing decision that FFA insists was correct but against the Phoenix in what was the fourth consecutive draw between the sides.
Wellington had won just twice in its last 17 visits to Brisbane, but entered on a high after toppling last year’s grand finalists Newcastle last weekend. which exposed major communication issues around the video review system.
There was initial incredulity at the decision to disallow Western Sydney’s goal with half an hour left, apparently because of a foul by Jaushua Sotirio on Michael Zullo in the build-up. Only after the game did referee Chris Beath clarify that Sotirio had actually been ruled offside.
Football Federation Australia declined to comment further yesterday, despite the torrent of criticism, believing that Beath’s decision was correct Like in their 1-1 draw with Central Coast a week ago, the Roar probed and controlled a bulk of the contest but were unable to capitalise in front of 15,129 fans.
It was the Phoenix with the best early chance though, under FIFA laws, which rule that a player becomes “actively” offside after “making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball”.
But having already tried unsuccessfully to persuade FIFA to sanction the broadcast of the audio between the referee and his VAR, as happens in other sports including cricket, A-League bosses are likely to seek urgent ways to give supporters and viewers immediate understanding of what is being checked as an incident unfolds.
That could include wording when a rolling ball fell to former English Premier League striker Steven Taylor.
But the Englishman somehow hit the outside of the post from just two metres when an open net beckoned. It proved to be the only clear-cut chance on the big screens in stadiums, and underlining the need for the assistant VAR to communicate with Fox Sports producers in real time as the decision is being reviewed.
There have also been calls for the VAR to specify to TV producers which camera angle he finds the most conclusive, as some are not automatically used in the TV broadcast.
Last season, Newcastle striker Roy O’Donovan was sent off for elbowing Jordy Buijs in an incident seen only from behind by TV viewers, when the VAR had access to a in an opening stanza littered with half opportunities.
Brisbane began to streak away in repeated raids as the second half opened up, but it was constantly repelled by Phoenix coach Mark Rudan’s organised defence. front-on camera that showed the blow clearly.
Fox pundit and former Socceroos Mark Bosnich said the system was alienating fans from the game and “it needs to be put on hold”.
“Sotirio can’t be interfering with play because Zullo runs into him – and that means it’s not a clear and obvious error, which is how this system was sold to us as solving,” he said.
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BRISBANE Roar needed a late strike from American import Carson Pickett to avoid an upset W-League loss to Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium yesterday.
Despite the absence of suspended Matildas star Sam Kerr, the Glory seemed on track to open its season with a win until Pickett’s 88th-minute goal ensured the game finished in a 1-1 draw.
Kerr’s one-match ban was carried over from the end of last season, and the Glory was expected to struggle without its key forward.
But a strong second half performance, which included a 54th-minute goal from Alyssa Mautz, had Perth on target for Victory until the Roar’s late fightback.
Fittingly, Chioma Ubogagu had a hand in Brisbane’s equaliser. The American forward was the Roar’s best player, and it was her pass to Pickett, who was born without a forearm and hand, that led to Brisbane’s goal.
“I’m happy we got a point out of it,” Ubogagu said.
“I thought we had some good chances as a team. Hopefully we can keep building and score more goals.”
The Glory had the first chance of the contest in the ninth minute when attacker Rachel Hill caught Roar goalkeeper Elli Chapple with a floated strike. But much to Chapple and the Roar’s relief, the ball hit the crossbar and bounced away to safety.
Brisbane, who were without the injured Hayley Raso and Japanese star Yuki Nagasato, took control of the contest after that, but couldn’t find the back of the net before halftime. Ubogagu was particularly impressive as she tormented the Glory defence.