Buffon no fan of new video system

– Juventus and Italy goalkeeping great Gianluigi Buffon (right) has slammed the “misuse” of the video assistant referee (VAR) system, saying that it makes Serie A “ugly”.

The VAR, footage which can be consulted by the referee on the touchlines to rule on key incidents, is being used in Serie A for the first time this season ahead of its World Cup debut in Russia next year.

But while several VAR decisions have been vindicated over the opening two weekends, mistakes have been made and Buffon is among its biggest critics.

“If you ask me, the VAR is being misused,” Buffon said on Saturday after helping Juventus launch a 4-2 comeback victory at Genoa.

“We were told it would be used sparingly, in a fair and logical manner. Instead, it’s like we’re playing water polo.”

With Genoa leading Juventus 1-0 in the opening minute thanks to Miralem Pjanic’s own goal on Sunday, Juve went 2-0 down five minutes later thanks to a dubious penalty decision.

Referee Luca Banti failed to spot Genoa striker Andrey Galabinov being offside before he was fouled by defender Daniele Rugani.

Juve should have been awarded a free-kick, but Galabinov succeeded where Diego Farias failed for Cagliari a week earlier in beating Buffon with a penalty that should not have been awarded.

Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport said Banti “should not have given the penalty”.

Juventus eventually clawed their way back thanks to a Paulo Dybala hat-trick, one of his goals coming from a VAR-inspired penalty decision following an accidental handball in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time. – AFP