VAR in football: The new system influences the course and dynamics of matches
Modern technologies are penetrating professional football today, and one of them is VAR. The principle of this system, simply put, is that the video assistant referee reviews the referee's decisions using video recordings. It is a novelty that has only been in operation since 2017, and many viewers are still getting used to it. Opinions on VAR vary, and it is often perceived negatively. However, experts say it has several advantages and can help resolve controversial situations.
When did VAR come into existence and how does it work?
Football VAR, or Football Video Assistant Referee, builds upon goal-line technology, which since 2012 has been monitoring whether the ball crosses the goal line. However, it is more complex and also concerns penalties and offsides. It was first introduced in the 2017/18 season and has been helping the referee on the field make the best possible decisions since then.
So, once VAR receives a directive from the referee, it reviews the video footage on a 3D model, created by 12 cameras placed around the stadium, and then relays a message to him. It communicates exclusively through headphones and a microphone. The result is then announced by the main referee and spectators can see it on all screens.
Situations that VAR examines
The football video assistant referee does not review every single play, of course. The referee only asks for advice and consultation from VAR in four clearly defined cases. What are they?
Goals
VAR can be very useful when reviewing goals. It focuses primarily on what happened just beforethe ball crossed the goal line. Primarily, it assesses potential fouls, offsides, or whether the ball completely crossed the goal line.
Penalties
In the case of penalties, any contact in the penalty area plays an important role. However, VAR can also determine whether a foul actually occurred that led to the penalty kick.
Red cards
Was the foul really serious enough for the player to receive a red card? The video assistant referee can check that too. On the other hand, the issuance of a yellow card is still judged solely by the referee. Reviewing recordings could unnecessarily slow down the game, which would lose its pace and appeal to spectators.
Player identity
And the referee is just a person and can confuse players. So VAR checks whether the one who actually committed the foul was sent off.
The final word still belongs to the referee.
The claims of opponents of the technology that football is decided by a machine are not entirely true; the influence of VAR on football is only partial. The final verdict still rests with the main referee, who essentially has three options:
- Does not change the original decision
- Accepts VAR's stance
- Looks at the video again directly on the screen at the stadium
Sport is mainly about emotions
The controversy surrounding VAR in football is linked to the perception of individual situations and entire matches. Before the introduction of this system, it was clear what had happened based on the referee's decision, and fans could celebrate or be sad accordingly. They expressed their emotions, which are closely tied to watching sports and being a fan. Now, however, there is a small chance that the celebration of a goal or penalty will be premature.
