Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should VAR be used in football?
Position1 of 3

Yes. VAR is a net positive to the game

This position holds that VAR is a net positive for football and should continue. It argues that, like the successful goal-line technology before it, video review makes the game fairer — correcting referees' mistakes, reducing cheating, and even encouraging a more attacking game.

Supporting arguments · 6

  1. Normal referees make too many mistakes
    It's impossible to expect referees to get every decision correct while watching a match at full speed, often from bad angles. VAR, on the other hand, can avoid these mistakes.
  2. Goal-line technology in football was a great success
    Goal-line technology faced many of the same questions as VAR, but proved to be very successful. It's only a matter of time before VAR's place in football is similarly seamless.
  3. VAR makes the game fairer
    VAR prevents teams from being denied victories by poor refereeing decisions or outright cheating. Ultimately, the officals' role is to be as impartial and fair as possible and so officials having the greatest amount of information is always good for the game.
  4. VAR will reduce cheating and fouling
    Cheating should not be tolerated in football and reckless behaviour that can lead to injury should be limited as much as possible. When players know that they are always being watched, they should be less inclined to cheat or play danegously.
  5. VAR can create a more attacking game
    VAR means that defenders will have to be more careful in their own penalty area. This should lead to more chances for attacking football to flourish, as attackers will be willing to try and take on defenders in the box rather than playing it safe.
  6. VAR should lead to less complaining
    Players swarming the referee after a bad decision can completely disrupt a match, and often complaints overshadow the events on the pitch entirely. If the referee could see everything clearly on video there should be less tedious controversy.