Famalicão board hit out at VAR after Sporting loss: "Stop nitpicking" | OneFootball

Miguel Ribeiro, in statements to the press at the end of the match with the 'lions', regarding the 22nd round of the Primeira Liga, directed harsh criticism at the use of VAR.

"I think VAR shouldn't be searching with a magnifying glass for reasons to disallow a goal. Interestingly, it's the same VAR (Vasco Santos) that officiated our game at Estádio da Luz, against Benfica. Interestingly, this week, Roberto Rosetti (head of UEFA refereeing) talked about what VAR represents. Today, it's neither clear nor evident that there was a foul," said Miguel Ribeiro, referring to the foul that led to the disallowance of Ibrahima Ba's goal at eight minutes.

Miguel Ribeiro reminded that "VAR is there for when there is a clear referee error and to correct it" and considered that "this was not the case."

"I appeal to UEFA and Roberto Rosetti to look at this incident. After what he said this week, he will surely look at this incident and say that this is everything UEFA does not stand for. This is not defending football, it's not defending the spectacle, it's not defending the goal. For Sporting, it's very pleasing that the goal was disallowed, but football cannot be happy," he considered.

According to Miguel Ribeiro, who does not question the fairness of the result, it is urgent to clarify to all participants in Portuguese football how VAR has been applied.

"This is the appeal I make to the Refereeing Council, which I also make to Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, to clarify once and for all that VAR is an aid tool. It is not a magnifying glass used to disallow goals (…). Those in charge of refereeing need to speak out. It's unsustainable. This goes between the federation and the League. There needs to be a clear agreement (between the two bodies). We are touching on this topic weekly," he concluded.

Sporting won today against Famalicão 1-0 and maintained second place alone, now totaling 55 points – three more than the third-placed (Benfica) and four less than the leader FC Porto. Famalicão occupies the sixth position, with 32 points.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.