Ian Wright provides alternative solutions to VAR after Arsenal’s “phantom handball” against Chelsea | OneFootball

Ian Wright has given his verdict on whether VAR should be introduced to the Women’s Super League, after several officiating mistakes were made in the WSL clash between Arsenal and Chelsea.

Arsenal fought back to claim a 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Saturday, maintaining a five-point deficit to the reigning WSL champions.

However, the lack of VAR arguably cost Arsenal all three points, in a game that could have huge ramifications on the title race.

Wright, speaking on the ‘Crosssways’ podcast with Steph Houghton, feels that the quality of referees needs to be improved before VAR is introduced.

This is despite Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers insisting the WSL needs VAR, an opinion that was supported by her Chelsea counterpart Sonia Bompastor.

Ian Wright calls for “professional” referees after Arsenal vs Chelsea errors

Ian Wright believes that more time needs to be spent on improving the standards of refereeing before VAR is introduced to the women’s game.

The Arsenal legend was particularly critical of Stina Blackstenius’ goal being disallowed for handball. He described the incident as the “phantom handball” and the “hand of god that only the referee saw”.

Co-host Steph Houghton added that the reaction of players such as Lucy Bronze was telling, as “nobody flinched” when the ball hit the back of the net.

He said: “Firstly, instead of bringing in VAR, we need to get referees professional before we go anywhere near VAR so they can ref the game and have confidence in what they are doing. Then, VAR helps them.”

Co-host Steph Houghton suggested that fourth officials could be utilised more to help with the referees.

She said: “The fourth official, they manage the benches, do the times, do the subs, but surely they could be used as something to say to the referee, whereas making a rash decision quite quickly under the pressure of 56,000 Arsenal fans. You have got to help these people.

Wright highlighted in Italy the trial of the ‘Manager’s VAR card’ where managers can request reviews. If a challenge is upheld, the manager would retain two challenges. If they lose, the challenge would be lost.

He added: “If I got to see that incident (Blackstenius handball)with just a television screen and a different angle, I would be able to say to the referee in 30 seconds, she didn’t touch it with her hand. Bam. That game is too big for the referees and officials to be that definite about an incident.”

Wright: Why the WSL is not ready for VAR

Wright and Houghton both agreed that the WSL is not ready for VAR, as the infrastructure is not available.

The Arsenal legend added that he doesn’t have a problem with VAR in the men’s game, but the people who are using it.

He said: “I’m not saying that the WSL should have VAR. VAR is not my bag, but I know it’s something at some stage will come into the women’s game. I’ve got no problems with VAR, I’ve just got problems with the people who are using VAR.

“But what they have got to do with the women’s game is, of course, you can’t be putting VAR equipment at Tottenham at Brisbane Road. You have also got West Ham playing at Dagenham and Brighton at Crawley. The infrastructure is not there for it.

What controversial decisions were made during Arsenal vs Chelsea?

The major call during the match was the decision to disallow Blackstenius’ potential equaliser out for a handball which didn’t happen.

Houghton and Wright also agreed that Arsenal midfielder Victoria Pelova should have been sent off for a rash challenge on Keira Walsh, saying they were glad the Chelsea midfielder was uninjured.

Wright said that Chelsea were lucky not to lose 3-1 as he felt Frida Maanum’s goal, which was ruled offside, should also have stood.

However, there were also debates that Alessia Russo’s goal, which did stand, could have been disallowed for offside.

Sky Sports pundit Izzy Christiansen said after the game that Arsenal were “robbed”.