A “fairer World Cup”, better player behaviour and a reduction in the “mobbing” of officials. The introduction of video assistant referees was one of the major issues heading into this World Cup and, as expected, it has been a near constant talking point during the first round of games.
Four penalties have been given using VAR, while England and Brazil both had cause to be unhappy with the system. Like it or not, it is certainly having an impact – 10 penalties have been awarded in 17 matches. The World Cup record is 18 for an entire tournament. Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey told BBC Radio 5 live the failure of VAR to give spot-kicks to England for fouls on Harry Kane against Tunisia showed the system is “inconsistent” and “should not be in this tournament”. But Fifa says it is “extremely satisfied with the level of refereeing to date and the successful implementation of the VAR system”.
“There have only been five reviews in the first 17 matches, which conforms to the global average of one in every three games,” said Elleray, who helps to train referees in the use of VAR. “This is ‘minimal interference’ and with the outcome of three matches being directly affected by the VAR intervention this is ‘maximum benefit’ and a fairer World Cup. “The behaviour of players has been excellent, with only one red card and a low average of yellow cards and little mobbing of referees.” Here, we take a look at the incidents so far and get Elleray’s verdict on whether VAR worked in each case.
Your Comment Here …The use of VAR at the Russia 2018 World Cup has not been a bad idea afterall. It has been a wonderful experience for all participants in this year’s world cup.
Yes, some will welcome the VAR while some will definitely not like it at all, for one reason or the other. But sincerely speaking, me think the VAR has been able to control effectively players intrusions on Referees, & also dissuade negative assertions about goal line technology, & calls for penalties/infringements on the field of play.