REFS WANT VIDEO HELP BUT IT WON’T STOP ARGUMENTS
As new technology comes to Wembley, Graham Poll explains how it all works...
For the first time tomorrow night, an England game at Wembley will feature video technology.
Sportsmail answers the key questions.
What is a VAR?
A video assistant referee who reviews the referee’s decisions. They are usually a current or former referee.
What incidents can the VAR review?
Four types of incident: 1. Goals and whether there was a
foul or offside in the build-up. 2. Penalty decisions. 3. red cards, but not second
yellow cards. 4. Mistaken identity when
awarding a red or yellow card.
How can the referee indicate he wants to use the VAR?
AS IN rugby, the referee makes an outline of a rectangle with his fingers.
Who decides if an incident should be reviewed?
THE referee, although the VAR can check an incident without it being requested by the man in the middle and recommend that it is reviewed.
What happens when an incident is reviewed?
IT is a three-step process. 1. The incident occurs. 2. The incident is reviewed and
advice is provided by the VAR. 3. A decision or action is taken.
How is a decision overturned?
THE referee can change a decision on the advice of the VAR after conducting a review of the footage by the side of the pitch.
Is there a time limit?
No. As a result, fans in Germany — where it is being trialled — have been frustrated by delays and complained that VAR interventions have ruined the flow of the game with decisions taking minutes to be made.
Who has the ultimate authority?
THE referee. The VAR cannot overrule the referee.
Where has it been trialled?
AS WELL as Germany’s Bundesliga, it has been tested in Italy’s Serie A, Portugal’s Primeira Liga, America’s MLS, in the Club World Cup and the Confederations Cup. It will also be used from the third round of this year’s FA Cup.
Has it been a success?
IT’S been controversial, so you’d have to say no. Fans in Germany want an end to the VAR trial after a string of poor decisions as a result of video reviews. The head of VAR in Germany, hellmut Krug, was recently replaced after it emerged he had twice influenced penalty decisions involving the team he supports, Schalke.
Have England ever used it before?
YES, in June’s friendly against France in Paris. Again, controversy followed. France defender raphael Varane was sent off for bringing down Dele Alli in the penalty area.
The referee pointed to the spot and was ready to show the real Madrid star a yellow card but, after consultation with the VAR, decided the challenge was worthy of a red card. France manager Didier Deschamps claimed that the red card was ‘harsh’.
Will we see it at next summer’s World Cup?
FIFA have yet to decide.
So, are match officials in favour of VAR?
IN principle, yes. But the current system is not quite right. From people I have spoken to, opinions are split over the system being trialled.
Some are happy to have their authority diluted and, like goal- line technology, would be happy for the final decision to be taken away from them — although others do not want to have their authority undermined.
In terms of credibility, it can also be difficult for a referee to admit they are wrong. however, referees are generally happy for a VAR experiment. The game has changed.
If everybody is judging referees’ decisions on replays — and as long as players continue to try to deceive referees — then it makes sense that officials are given the same tools.