World Cup Diary – the VAR question by Dan Smith
A lot of readers are enjoying my World Cup diary. Some though feel that they only want to hear about Arsenal, even though the WC is a celebration of football. One thing that concerns all of us though is the issue of VAR.
Yesterday it made history by for the first time in the competiton assisting a goal. In one moment it highlighted many fears. Realising there had been a lack of consistency in when and how it should be implemented, FIFA stressed a week ago that they had simplified to refs how it would be used. We were told technology would only be needed if an obvious mistake had been made, leaving room open for us to debate.
France were awarded a penalty not given by the official. It was his assistant who felt the need to check the video. His interpretation was that Greizman had been fouled. Wherever you agree or not is not the point. The fact that many feel the defender got a toe to the ball means this situation was not clear cut. If people have various opinions that is not an obvious error. A black and white example would be Australia’s penalty. Handball, yes or no?
That’s when VAR would be deemed suitable.
By the time France got the winner, the men in charge panicked needing the technology to check for offside, forgetting what they been told by FIFA.
I hope this is not a sign of things to come…
Dan Smith