How VAR Has Changed the Premier League – Good or Bad?

Few things in modern football have sparked as much debate as Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Introduced to the Premier League in the 2019/20 season, VAR was meant to reduce refereeing errors and bring fairness to the game. However, instead of eliminating controversy, it has fueled heated debates among players, managers, and fans alike.

Has VAR been a blessing for football, or has it ruined the raw emotion and spontaneity that make the Premier League so special? Let’s break down its impact, the controversies, and whether it has ultimately been good or bad for the game.

The Purpose of VAR – Why Was It Introduced?

Before VAR, referees had to make split-second decisions that often determined the outcome of matches. This led to questionable penalty calls, incorrect offsides, and missed red card incidents.

To address this, VAR was introduced with four main objectives:

1. Correcting Clear and Obvious Errors – Helping referees overturn major mistakes in match-changing situations.
2. Fair Play – Ensuring teams are not unfairly punished due to incorrect decisions.
3. Consistency – Reducing the subjectivity of refereeing decisions.
4. Eliminating Diving and Simulation – Stamping out cheating in the game.

On paper, these objectives sounded perfect. But has it actually worked as intended?

The Positive Impact of VAR

1. Reducing Clear Mistakes

Before VAR, legendary referee errors like Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal against Germany in the 2010 World Cup or Thierry Henry’s infamous handball against Ireland in 2009 were common. Now, these incidents wouldn’t stand thanks to technology.

In the Premier League, VAR has overturned multiple incorrect penalty and red card decisions, ensuring a fairer playing field.

2. Preventing Offside Goals

One of the biggest strengths of VAR is detecting offside positions. Goals scored from offside positions, which previously stood due to human error, are now overturned.

Although controversial (more on that later), VAR has helped ensure teams do not unfairly benefit from tight offside calls.

3. More Accountability for Referees

Referees now have the safety net of VAR reviews, allowing them to make more accurate decisions. They no longer have to rely solely on their instincts in high-pressure moments.

If a mistake is made, VAR can intervene and correct it. This reduces the chances of game-changing errors that could cost a team the title or relegation.

The Downsides of VAR – Why Fans Hate It

1. Killing the Passion and Spontaneity

One of football’s greatest joys is the instant euphoria of a goal. Players celebrate, fans erupt, and the stadium shakes with excitement.

With VAR, this emotion is completely destroyed. Players now hesitate before celebrating, knowing that any goal could be ruled out for an offside margin of millimeters. Fans have even stopped fully celebrating goals until VAR confirms it.

2. Inconsistency in Decision-Making

Despite being introduced to improve consistency, VAR has ironically led to more debates. Different referees interpret the same situation differently, leading to:

• Soft penalties awarded for minimal contact
• Red cards given inconsistently
• Handball rules applied differently from match to match

For example, in the 2020/21 season, there were countless questionable handball decisions, where accidental contact led to penalties. Fans, players, and managers all voiced their frustrations over the lack of consistency.

3. The Offside Controversies – Are Millimeters Too Harsh?

VAR offside decisions have become a nightmare for players and fans. Goals have been disallowed for being "offside by an armpit" or "offside by a toenail."

Examples include:

• Raheem Sterling’s disallowed goal for Manchester City against Tottenham in 2019 – a moment that completely shifted the game.
• Patrick Bamford’s goal for Leeds ruled offside because he pointed where he wanted the ball played – a decision that outraged fans.

This level of precision goes against the spirit of football, where offside was traditionally meant to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage, not punish them for the width of a fingernail.

4. Delays and Frustration – Slowing Down the Game

Premier League matches were once fast and intense. Now, with VAR checks lasting up to 3-4 minutes, the flow of the game has been badly disrupted.

Fans in the stadium are often left in the dark, not knowing what’s happening, while players stand around waiting for a decision. The excitement and intensity of football have suffered as a result.

5. Poor Communication with Fans

One of the biggest issues is the lack of transparency. Unlike in other sports like cricket and rugby, where referees communicate their decisions via microphones, football fans often have no idea what’s happening during a VAR check.

This has led to:

• Frustration among fans inside the stadium
• Confusion over why certain decisions are made
• Criticism of referees for their lack of explanation

Has VAR Improved the Premier League Overall?

Looking at both the positives and negatives, VAR has improved fairness, but at the cost of spontaneity and passion.

Good Aspects of VAR:
✅ Fewer referee mistakes
✅ Offside and penalty decisions are more accurate
✅ Cheating and diving have been reduced

Bad Aspects of VAR:
❌ Goals disallowed for absurdly small offside margins
❌ Long delays ruining the flow of the game
❌ Inconsistent refereeing decisions
❌ Kills the passion and instant excitement of goal celebrations

How Can VAR Be Improved?

While VAR is unlikely to be removed, changes must be made to improve it. Possible solutions include:

1. Thicker Offside Lines – Instead of disallowing goals for millimeters, allow a slightly wider margin to benefit attacking teams.
2. Time Limits on Reviews – If a decision takes more than 30 seconds, stick with the on-field call to avoid unnecessary delays.
3. Better Communication – Have referees announce their decisions like in rugby, so fans in the stadium and at home understand what’s happening.
4. Consistency in Handball and Foul Calls – Clear, standardized rules should be applied to eliminate confusion and controversy.

Conclusion – Is VAR Good or Bad for the Premier League?

The truth is, VAR is neither entirely good nor entirely bad. It has helped reduce blatant referee mistakes, but it has also damaged the natural excitement of football.

Until major improvements are made, VAR will remain a divisive topic. Some believe it’s necessary for modern football, while others feel it has taken away the sport’s soul and spontaneity.

What do you think? Has VAR made the Premier League better or worse?

⚽ No matter your opinion, MBS66 remains the world’s greatest game – full of passion, drama, and unforgettable moments!