Former Premier League referee admits VAR is ‘not fit for purpose’ | OneFootball

A former Premier League referee has said VAR is “not fit for purpose”, admitting the “price being paid for greater accuracy feels far too high”.

Graham Scott refereed in the Premier League for over a decade, officiating in more than 400 matches before retiring in 2025.

Writing in his new column for The Athletic, Scott said the experience of being a video assistant referee (VAR) and conducting a review could feel like the “walls were closing in”.

Last month, a survey by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) found that over 75 per cent of fans are against the use of VAR in football, with over 90 per cent feeling it detracted from the match-going experience.

Around 85 per cent of supporters surveyed found that VAR - and the often lengthy reviews involved in checking decisions - made football less enjoyable, a viewpoint echoed by former referee Scott.

“Referees are people, too, and feel the pain inflicted by a video review system that is simply not fit for purpose,” Scott wrote.

“We take no pleasure in disallowing goals because a player’s forehead, kneecap or big toe is too far advanced in the build-up. We hate standing around getting cold and wet while a colleague conducts a forensic analysis of a poorly timed tackle or potential penalty.”

The Premier League has repeatedly indicated that VAR is here to stay, despite long-time fan frustration since its introduction in 2019-20, while football’s lawmakers are also looking into widening its scope.

“As part of ongoing dialogue with supporters, Premier League research indicates fans are largely in favour of keeping VAR, but improving the way it is used,” a Premier League statement said.

“This remains a priority for both the Premier League and PGMO, and the League will continue to engage with all stakeholders to build on the progress made through the VAR Improvement Plan.”