English Premier League is finally back after a long time of waiting. Forget about all that happened in the last season as changes are expected in England’s elite tournament.
The season 2019-20 comes with a lot of things; players have had a good time to rest, transfers have taken place, new teams have joined the League and more importantly, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) makes its debut in the competition.
The EPL officially begins on Friday with Liverpool facing Norwich City in their opener. Six matches will be played on Saturday with the remaining three being played on Sunday.
But fans are much concerned about the use of VAR that came into effect on 1 June after changes from the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB).
The Premier League starts TONIGHT π
And VAR is here.@alanshearer gives us the lowdown. pic.twitter.com/5EVua87DCx
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 9, 2019
A section of fans believes that its use will bring some sanity in the field while others have condemned it in the strongest term possible.
Here are some of the reaction;
VAR is an abomination. Anyone who likes it is clearly not a supporter of any club. Can you imagine not going loopy when your team scores because you have to wait for it to be checked first? Absolutely ridiculous.
β William Sarstard OBE (@BillySarstard) August 9, 2019
If VAR does what it says on the tin. Thatβs Liverpool and Man U getting at least 10 less penalties each per season
β Antoine de Faoite (@AntoineFaoite) August 9, 2019
Let’s say the assistant referee didn’t flag for non clear offside, per the rules, play continues and the attacking player is subsequently taken out by the goalkeeper resulting in a straight red (serious foul play). If VAR shows it was offside, would the red still count?
β NewocAR (@NewocAR) August 9, 2019
With VAR, Liverpool are in trouble
β Charles The Artist β (@CharlesDrumley) August 9, 2019
Atleast Liverpool won’t be benefiting from fluke goals
β HENRY ORIWO (@ajonyo) August 9, 2019
So you want the wrong player sent off and a goal scored with the hand ..a goal scored from an offside player a goal scored when the ball has been out of play ..a player to gain a penalty from no contact π€
β Chrissy Clinton (@cookiesvilla) August 9, 2019
Iβd rather the odd mistake and more drama and enjoyment out of a game than watching a computer controlled game which turns the players into robots
β Aaron Belfield (@aaron_belfield) August 9, 2019
Bad News !
β alex (@alexvb80) August 9, 2019
It’s still down to a refs interpretation though isn’t it.
I’ll bet my last pound there will still be contentious decisions where we can question the integrity and agendas of officials.β Dave Norton (@davethespread) August 9, 2019
Integrity and agenda – one thing I would put my last pound on is that there are poor decisions but no corruption or bias… if I thought that Iβd give up watching the game.
β Paul B (@Barst1Paul) August 9, 2019
Fans saying VAR shouldn’t be added are the exact same fans who complain when refs get decisions wrong… if you seriously can’t wait a minute or two for the correct decision to be made then got get tested for ADHDπ
β The Warsmith (@TheWarsmith) August 9, 2019
How can a senior experienced referri decesion be reviewed by less experienced VAR operatives
β ZEPHER102 (@PiXxI_HoLlOw) August 9, 2019
Unfair penalties and many canceled goals to be watched. VAR should be WTF Welcome To Frustration π€
β ZEPHER102 (@PiXxI_HoLlOw) August 9, 2019
It’s impossible for this not to intrude on the flow of the game. All that will happen is that we get the same controversy and a stop-start game
β Tom Collins (@grease34) August 9, 2019
Jesus, we literally just won a competition that has VAR. Funnily it gave us a penalty in the final and sent Man City out of the CL. So God save our VAR.
β π6οΈβ£ (@chielinilookout) August 9, 2019
Donβt celebrate a goal too early + they will check everything. Should stop diving hopefully
β Mark Appleton (@MarkApp05) August 9, 2019
“The Premier League admits this subjectivity makes the eradication of controversy impossible, as is the achievement of 100% accuracy on decisions.”
One or the other for me, If It’s not black or white, like an offside, the whole thing should be scrapped.
β π³π± RP II π (@R0b_Peat) August 9, 2019
Won’t be able to celebrate goals any more. Awful..
β Chris Brown (@ChrisCPFC8) August 9, 2019
I do think a second yellow card that leads to a sending off should be looked at as well? Although I am aware of will be another thing to slow the game down. There have been some awful decisions on a second yellow in the past.
β Marc Teesdale (@Marct009) August 9, 2019
You can stick VAR up your arse itβs ruined my pleasure of watching football
β paul cook (@paulcook25) August 9, 2019