The Importance of Video Proof in Football
Last weekend, video proof in football was celebrated when referee Tobias Stieler corrected two giant bucks in Leverkusen’s thrilling 2-1 win over Bayern. This breakthrough was made possible by the Kölner Keller, which serves as the central video assistant referee (VAR) hub for the German Bundesliga.
However, Andreas Svensson, the former Danish international and current assistant coach at Mainz 05, has warned against seeking total justice in football through VAR. Svensson believes that too much reliance on VAR can make the game become too theoretical, taking away from the competitiveness and spontaneity that are integral to football.
Svensson argues that VAR can be effective in preventing assaults behind the referee’s back, as players now know they cannot afford flagrant violations without being caught. He also praises the semi-automatic offside detection in the Champions League, as it allows for swift, accurate decision-making.
However, Svensson believes that overreliance on video technology can create confusion and uncertainty for viewers. For instance, the constant stoppages for VAR reviews could lessen the flow and excitement of the game. Moreover, viewers may not always be aware of which decision is being reviewed.
Finally, Svensson takes issue with decisions like the withdrawn penalty in Mainz’s win over Leverkusen, as he believes that fouls are often missed in the build-up to incidents. While VAR can play a vital role in correcting egregious errors, it is essential to strike a balance between fairness and spontaneity in football.
In conclusion, while VAR does play a critical role in ensuring fair play, it must be used judiciously to preserve the hallmark of football – the beautiful game.
