VAR again caused much controversy last weekend when it was used during Huddersfield and Manchester United’s FA Cup fifth round tie at the John Smiths Arena.
The system which is being trialled during this season’s domestic cup competitions with a view to being rolled out in the Premier League next season, disallowed a first-half Juan Mata goal.
Although the decision ultimately proved to be the correct one, many observers were critical of both the time it took and what seemed to be a breakdown in the technologies ability to correctly show the lines used to verify an offside decision.
Speaking after his sides 2-0 victory Man United midfielder Nemanja Matic admitted he likes the idea of VAR, but complained that decisions are taking too long, when he said:
“I like it [VAR]. I think it will be better for football, they just have to do it a little bit quicker because we waited so long for the decision. Two minutes is a long time on the pitch but I think, overall, it will be good for football.
“It’s normal that referees make mistakes every game and they can refer it to TV, but it needs to be quicker.
“They have to do it in 30 seconds because, after two minutes, we are cold and this is the only problem. Other than that, I like it.”
The issue of long breaks between decisions has already been criticised by West Brom boss Alan Pardew, after two of his players sustained hamstring injuries during the Baggies fourth round victory over Liverpool at Anfield.
