Neil Warnock Says VAR is Killing Football: Even His Haters Agree
Key Highlights :
Former Premier League manager Neil Warnock has been one of the most vocal critics of VAR, claiming that it is making referees lazy and making football feel artificial. This week, his claims have been met with agreement from even his harshest critics.
Taking to social media on Wednesday, Warnock wrote: “VAR is killing the PL with the way it’s implemented. The unique joy for players/fans when a goal is scored has gone. It’s making referees lazy and unaccountable it’s overused and making the game feel artificial. For me, the @EFL is much more enjoyable to watch without VAR.”
The 74-year-old manager, who has managed teams such as and , believes that lower league football is more enjoyable than the top flight because it is technology-less. Fans on social media were in total agreement, including those who admitted that they usually didn't have a lot of time for Warnock.
One user replied: “Agree. The Championship is a far better division. At least you can celebrate that moment when the ball hits the net instead of waiting minutes while bent officials manufacture any reason not to give it.”
Another fan commented: “We were mis-sold it. It was supposed to overturn clear & obvious errors not to micro analyse every single thing.”
VAR was back in the headlines this week following major controversies in win over and victory over . The Gunners were left furious after Antony Gordon's winner at St James' Park was allowed to stand despite three contentious incidents in the build-up. There were five disallowed goals during Chelsea's clash with , and continuous, lengthy VAR checks ensured the ball was in play for just 47 minutes of the contest.
The use of VAR has been a hot topic of debate in the football world for some time now, with many fans and pundits alike calling for its use to be scaled back or scrapped altogether. Neil Warnock's comments have only added fuel to the fire, and even his haters are applauding him for his stance on the issue.
