The controversial VAR decisions made during the West Ham match have sparked debates within the football community. While both decisions were ultimately deemed correct as the ball had touched the arm before entering the goal, the lengthy amount of time taken to reach these conclusions has raised concerns.
Under the direction of Howard Webb, PGMOL has implemented a policy of suspending officials for errors – a measure that was not publicly enforced by his predecessor, Mike Riley. This strict approach has created an atmosphere where VARs are apprehensive about making hasty decisions for fear of facing consequences for potential mistakes. As a result, officials now tend to take as much time as possible to ensure that their decisions are accurate, contributing to significant delays in the game.
The first decision, involving Michail Antonio’s handball, posed a challenge due to the lack of conclusive angles available for assessment. However, the second incident at the end of the match, concerning Tomas Soucek, should have been easier for the VAR to swiftly rule on. The varying camera angles presented conflicting perspectives on whether it constituted a handball, leading the VAR to search for the optimal angle to determine the correct decision. This prolonged deliberation left fans and players alike frustrated with the delay in gameplay.
In contrast, the quick adjudication of a handball incident in the Luton v Nottingham Forest match, where a decision was reached within 30 seconds, underscored the inconsistency and inefficiency in the VAR process. The extended five-minute assessment of the Soucek incident has prompted questions about the effectiveness of the technology and the accessibility of appropriate camera angles for officials to make informed decisions.
As the football community grapples with the challenges of VAR implementation, it is crucial that these issues are addressed to ensure fair and timely decision-making in matches. Finding a balance between accuracy and efficiency in the VAR system will be vital in maintaining the integrity of the game and the trust of supporters and stakeholders alike.
