World Cup could be ruined by VAR as baffling England decisions paint worrying picture | Football | Sport
Even during an international break, we just can’t stop talking about VAR. It’s a regular source of controversy in the Premier League, with dodgy decisions causing uproar on an almost weekly basis. That incompetence was on full display in England’s draw with Uruguay and if it continues, this summer’s World Cup could descend into chaos.
There were several inconsistencies in the decision-making from match officials in Friday’s game at Wembley. Ben White had given England the lead in the second half, poking the ball home at the back post following a corner. The goal was initially reviewed by VAR, with a tussle in the build-up judged not to have been a foul.
The technology was called into action once more in stoppage time as White challenged for the ball with Federico Vinas in the England box.
It was decided that White had clipped his opponents’ foot, resulting in a penalty which was scored by Federico Valverde to rescue a draw for Uruguay.
The issue was that White was clearly making an earnest attempt to block the ball. If he had done nothing, Vinas would’ve had an open chance on goal. What else was he supposed to do? Just let him shoot?
One of the main problems with VAR is that is has no room for common sense or interpretation. It applies the rules in a very black-and-white manner when many decisions in football are anything but.
It was late, it was reckless, and it was deserving of a red card. This was a black-and-white incident. VAR saw things differently, though, and Araujo wasn’t even booked.
How can you fail to apply the proper punishment for such an out-of-control tackle and then give a soft penalty for an obvious attempt to play the ball?
We’ve seen these inconsistencies on a regular basis in the Premier League but with the same issues now creeping into international football, it paints a worrying picture ahead of the World Cup.
Emma Hayes summed it up nicely on ITV Sport, saying: “What’s the point of having VAR? That’s what I don’t understand. If we’re using it for penalty or corner situations but not for blatant red card moments, I don’t understand.”
The problem has never been VAR itself. The problem has always been the incompetence of the officials behind it.
The way the technology is used selectively in these situations is ruining the game. All we want is a consistent approach. Is that really too much to ask?
If it carries on, football’s biggest tournament is at risk of being overshadowed by more tedious VAR drama and nobody wants that. Let’s hope the World Cup referees will have more common sense and won’t be determined to make it all about themselves.
