Premier League fans turn on VAR after double Leeds United error | OneFootball

A Football Supporters’ Association survey across all 20 Premier League clubs shows widespread opposition to VAR after a season of controversy and two costly Leeds United decisions. Almost 8,000 fans responded.

The Premier League said that VAR delivers more correct decisions, citing around 100 correct overturns per season. It added that its research indicates fans are largely in favour of keeping VAR while improving its use, and it will continue to engage with stakeholders.

In the first half of a 1-0 home defeat by Sunderland, Luke O’Nien had two hands around Pascal Struijk’s neck then pulled him down. Referee Stuart Attwell played on and VAR did not recommend an on-field review. The Key Match Incidents panel later voted unanimously that the failure to recommend a review was a VAR error.

More than 75 per cent of respondents wanted VAR scrapped, 90 per cent said it has not improved the matchgoing experience, and 94 per cent said watching on television is no more enjoyable. A further 91 per cent felt the technology has harmed the joy of celebrating goals.

Last week a KMI panel also ruled that Gabriel Gudmundsson was wrongly sent off in the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace. His second yellow for a foul on Ismaili Sarr involved minimal contact in a challenge deemed careless, not clearly reckless. VAR could not intervene on second cautions, though talks are ongoing about expanding the technology’s scope.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk