Chelsea: Three lessons learned (only one about VAR) in loss to Man United

2. VAR is a problem-maker, not a solution

Before we continue on with our critique of the VAR, we must first understand the purpose of its inception in the first place. VAR was supposedly introduced as a foolproof means of correcting wrong refereeing decisions through the use of video footage otherwise unavailable to the on-pitch referee. Following its successful implementation at the 2018 World Cup, there was, justifiably, great excitement surrounding the introduction of a similar system.

The Premier League, already well-known for its poor standards of refereeing compared to other leagues around Europe, was due for an overhaul of a lifetime. If only VAR was the solution.

Seven months into its maiden season, VAR remains as inconsistent and poorly managed as ever.

First, Harry Maguire’s kick out at Michy Batshuayi was very much intentional. This may not come across as apparent at first viewing or, in Anthony Taylor’s case, the only viewing. But this is precisely where VAR is supposed to intervene.

Yet somehow, no foul was awarded, let alone a red card. This decision is absolutely bizarre when taking into account Heung-Min Son’s sending off for a similar kick out at Rudiger less than two months ago.

As if to rub salt into the wound, Maguire himself was to pop up at the end of a Bruno Fernandes corner in the 66′ to score what would prove to be the fatal goal for Chelsea. VAR 1, Chelsea 0.

Second, VAR intervened once more to disallow Kurt Zouma’s equalising goal early in the second half when Cesar Azpilicueta was adjudged to have bundled Brandon Williams over in the build-up to the goal. That may have come across as apparent at first viewing or, in Anthony Taylor’s case, the only viewing. However, closer inspection revealed that Azpilicueta was in fact bundled over himself by Fred in the first place.

This is once again precisely where VAR is supposed to intervene. And intervene it did, to wrongly strike-off Zouma’s goal because Fred’s initial shoving of Azpilicueta was missed by the video assistance referee, too. VAR 2, Chelsea 0.

What exactly then, is the point of VAR when wrong judgements or crucial missed moments in a game requiring intervention are not being properly reviewed and subsequently dealt with? In a future where fans are treated with the possibility of Mike Dean no longer being able to “make a game all about him”, they are instead left with VAR in his stead. Hardly an improvement.