Exclusive: Stephen Warnock Provides his Verdict on VAR’s Recent Struggles | OneFootball

Tackling VAR’s Challenges: Insights from Stephen Warnock

The introduction of VAR has caused all sorts of controversy since its implementation into the Premier League. Former Premier League defender, Stephen Warnock, spoke to EPL Index about the persisting issues plaguing this technology, which was designed to enhance the accuracy of critical decision-making in the sport.

VAR: A Promise of Precision Meets Reality

VAR was introduced with the promise of eliminating glaring refereeing errors that could potentially alter the course of a game. However, as Warnock points out, the reality has been far from smooth. The primary concern lies in the nature of the decisions themselves, which remain subjective despite technological assistance. “The problem is, you’ve got four people trying to agree on a subjective decision, so it’s not a surprise they get stuff wrong,” Warnock explains.

Speed and Clarity in Decision-Making

One of the major criticisms of VAR is the pace at which decisions are made. Warnock comments, “The decision-making is too slow, you know, semi-automated offsides will help with that, but that’s definitely one of the major problems at the moment.” The introduction of semi-automated offsides suggests a move towards faster and possibly more accurate calls, yet the overall speed and fluidity of the game continue to suffer.

Additionally, the fan experience has been notably impacted. Those in the stadium often find themselves in a limbo of confusion during VAR reviews. “Another issue is the lack of communication to the fans inside the stadium, who are often left not knowing what is going on,” states Warnock. Enhancing in-stadium communication could bridge this gap, maintaining the live thrill of the game while incorporating technological oversight.

Photo: IMAGO

Rethinking “Clear and Obvious”

A significant pivot that Warnock suggests is the redefinition of VAR’s operational mantra from “clear and obvious” to “right or wrong.” This shift could potentially streamline decisions, focusing on accuracy rather than the degree of error. “Another thing that needs to go is the idea of ‘clear and obvious’ – it needs to be ‘right or wrong’ instead,” Warnock claims. This change could lead to a more definitive use of VAR, reducing the grey areas that currently lead to much of the discontent surrounding its use.

Continuous Evolution

Reflecting on the journey of VAR, Warnock shares a candid observation from his experience on Sky Sports’ show with Dermot Gallagher, indicating initial optimism but current disillusionment. “It’s interesting, I said when it first started that it would only last six months, because we expected all of these issues to be sorted out pretty quickly, but it hasn’t been the case.” This statement perfectly summarises the underwhelming impact that VAR has had on the Premier League, along with the growing need for vast improvement.

In conclusion, while VAR was introduced to bring definitive clarity to football, the technology has faced significant hurdles that need addressing. Stephen Warnock’s insights provide a clear roadmap for improvement: enhancing team dynamics among VAR officials, speeding up decisions, improving communication within stadiums, and redefining the criteria for reviewing decisions. As the technology evolves, so too should the regulations and practices surrounding its application, ensuring that VAR can indeed fulfil its promise to football.

We once again thank Stephen Warnock and NewBettingOffers.co.uk for the brilliant insight.