Premier League fans turn on VAR as KMI confirms double Leeds United errors | OneFootball

Three-quarters of fans across all 20 Premier League clubs want VAR scrapped, a new survey suggests, with recent Leeds United grievances underlining the mood.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the Football Supporters’ Association heard from almost 8,000 supporters towards the end of a controversy-hit season.

Earlier this month, in the first half of Leeds’ 1-0 home defeat by Sunderland, Luke O’Nien had two hands around Pascal Struijk’s neck before pulling him down. Referee Stuart Attwell played on and VAR chose not to recommend an on-field review. The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel later ruled unanimously that the failure to advise a review was a VAR error.

Beyond that incident, 90 per cent of respondents said VAR has not improved the matchgoing experience. Some 94 per cent said watching on television is not more enjoyable and 91 per cent felt the technology has harmed the joy of celebrating goals.

Leeds were also affected by a second refereeing decision last week, when a KMI panel found Gabriel Gudmundsson’s second yellow in the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace was incorrect, citing minimal contact on Ismaili Sarr in a challenge judged careless rather than clearly reckless.

VAR was not involved in that call and could not intervene, since second yellow cards are outside its remit. Talks are ongoing about expanding the technology, which could allow such scenarios to be reviewed.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk