Premier League fans make VAR feelings clear after double Leeds United error | OneFootball

Three-quarters of Premier League supporters want VAR scrapped, an Football Supporters’ Association survey of almost 8,000 fans across all 20 clubs has found.

The Premier League said VAR delivers more correct decisions, citing around 100 correct overturns per season, and added that fans largely favour retaining it while improving its use under an ongoing plan.

Leeds United were stung earlier this month when, in the first half of a 1-0 home defeat by Sunderland, Luke O’Nien gripped Pascal Struijk by the neck and pulled him down. Referee Stuart Attwell let play continue and VAR did not advise an on-field review.

The Key Match Incidents panel later ruled unanimously that the failure to recommend a review was a VAR error, one of several confirmed this season.

Meanwhile, 90 per cent disagreed that VAR has improved the matchgoing experience, 94 per cent said television viewing is not more enjoyable and 91 per cent felt goal celebrations have been harmed. The findings echo the association’s 2021 poll.

Leeds were also vindicated last week when another KMI panel found Gabriel Gudmundsson was wrongly dismissed in a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace, judging the contact minimal and the challenge careless rather than clearly reckless.

VAR was not involved because second yellow cards are outside its remit, and talks are ongoing about widening the technology’s scope.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk