Initially introduced as a savior, the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is now increasingly a source of controversy. What was supposed to bring absolute justice to the pitch is instead often "destroying" beautiful moments and clarity in football.

The case of Josh King's disallowed goal in the recent Chelsea vs Fulham match is clear evidence. Even Howard Webb, the top English referee official, admitted the mistake. This is no longer just about referee errors; it's about a system that is too rigid and often harmful.

When VAR Fails to Be a "Savior"

The moment of Josh King's goal was the perfect illustration. A neat attack, a clever run, and a sharp finish. However, it all vanished in an instant after a VAR intervention. The on-field referee, who had initially awarded the goal, was forced to reverse his decision after a video review that focused on a "light contact" between Rodrigo Muniz and Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.

Ironically, Howard Webb, the Head of the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), himself admitted that the decision was a "misjudgement." Webb stated that the contact was "natural" and "not a clear and obvious" error that should have been intervened by VAR. The VAR referee involved, Michael Salisbury, was even dropped from his next assignment. If the top referee official admits to the mistake, then what is the point of this technology?

VAR: Between Accuracy and Losing the Essence

The growing opinion among fans and experts is that VAR is harming the essence of football. This technology is supposed to minimize fatal errors, but instead, it creates confusion and frustration.

Too Detailed: VAR often reviews incidents from multiple angles and in slow motion, searching for tiny fouls that might never be seen at normal speed. This kills the spontaneity and joy of a goal.

The Loss of "Clear and Obvious": The "clear and obvious" criteria seems to be getting blurred. What is clear to one referee may not be clear to another. This creates inconsistency that erodes trust.

Breaking the Rhythm: Protracted VAR interventions disrupt the flow of the game, reduce its intensity, and make the viewing experience less engaging. The euphoria of a goal is often delayed, or even canceled, leaving fans hesitant to celebrate until there is certainty.

The Future of VAR: An Urgent Reform Is Needed

The Josh King goal case is a loud wake-up call for the PGMOL and UEFA to carry out urgent reforms to the VAR protocols. If this technology continues to create more problems than solutions, its purpose must be questioned.

Football is a dynamic, emotional sport that sometimes involves physical contact. Trying to eliminate every little contact from the game is a futile effort that destroys its very beauty. VAR must be returned to its essence: a tool to correct major and fatal errors, not to scrutinize for minor fouls that chip away at the game's core. Otherwise, this technology will forever be seen as a savior that ultimately "destroys" the most precious moments in football.

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