How VAR Has Changed the Game in the Premier League

Kiimgee Blog

Love it or hate it, the Video Assistant Referee, better known as VAR, is here to stay, and nowhere is its impact felt more than in the Premier League. Since it burst into our lives in 2019, VAR has been at the center of endless debates involving fans, players, and coaches alike. From contentious offside decisions to game-changing penalty verdicts, it has really changed the beautiful game. But has VAR improved the Premier League, or is it ripping the soul out of football? Let's dive in.

The Good: Bringing Accuracy to the Game

One of the major reasons VAR was brought in was to rid the game of "clear and obvious" errors by referees. And in many cases, that is exactly what it has done.

Take, for instance, those notorious offside decisions that invariably went undetected. Thanks to VAR, those few millimeters that define a legal goal from an offside position are under microscopic scrutiny with state-of-the-art technology. This essentially translates into fewer unfair goals and a much fairer playing field for all teams.

Also, VAR changed the game concerning penalty decisions. The fouls that went unseen before are now reviewed, and the calls are called more precisely. Just ask the fans of smaller clubs, as for them, VAR sometimes comes across as some kind of savior when their team finally gets a well-deserved recognition on the big stage. The Bad: Killing the Passion of the Game?

While accuracy is a good thing, for many fans, VAR has sucked football of its spontaneity. Only imagine this: your team scores a last-minute winner. The stadium erupts, players celebrate, and fans are jumping for joy… only for VAR to step in and spend three minutes analyzing whether a player's toe was offside.

The delay often leaves fans frustrated, and celebrations feel muted. Critics say football is an emotional sport, and VAR's clinical precision sometimes takes away from the raw energy that makes the Premier League so special.

The Ugly: Inconsistencies and Controversies

Fairness promised, VAR has not entirely avoided controversy. From inconsistent handball decisions to questionable red card reviews, the system often leaves fans scratching their heads.

The controversy has reigned from the very start, with one of the most contentious moments being in the 2022/23 season, where a clear penalty foul in a match between Arsenal and Manchester City was never intervened in by VAR. Inconsistency that fans labeled as outrageous.

This is the unpredictability that raises questions for some as to whether VAR really improves the Premier League or merely takes the inconsistencies from a referee to a machine.

What's Next for VAR in the Premier League?

As the VAR is here to stay, there's always room for improvement. One suggestion by fans themselves is that of greater transparency-why not let the viewers hear the conversation of the referee and the VAR officials? This way of informing the audience is being followed during rugby and will give a better understanding to the fans as to why some particular decisions are taken.

Another improvement would be quicker reviews. Long reviews disrupt the flow not only of the game but also drive fans and players into a tizzy. With improvements in technology, quicker and more accurate decisions may be available sooner rather than later.

Conclusion

Most certainly, VAR has changed the Premier League forever. All its blemishes notwithstanding, the system has introduced a level of fairness that is difficult to take away. Whether it's basking in the glory of a last-minute goal or holding your breath as a penalty is reviewed, one thing is for sure: VAR has just brought an all-new layer of drama into the Premier League.

What are your thoughts? Do you think the introduction of VAR has improved the game, or would you rather it disappeared all together? Share with us in the comments section below- we would love to hear from you!