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67% Of Fans Say VAR Makes Football Less Enjoyable To Watch

67% Of Fans Say VAR Makes Football Less Enjoyable To Watch

The video assistant referee hasn't been to everyone's liking in the Premier League but most people still want the system to be used.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

VAR controversy was at the centre of attention again after a weekend of Premier League action and 67% of fans say it's making the game less enjoyable to watch.

Jose Mourinho's laughter after the video assistant referees took around two minutes to overturn Mike Dean's decision not to give Manchester City a penalty summed up the feelings of a nation, and that's official according to the polls.

A YouGov poll has shown that over two thirds of Premier League fans think VAR is making watching football 'less enjoyable.' On top of that 60% have said that the system was being used 'badly' in England's top flight.


Fans, pundits, players and managers have all criticised the use of the system in its first season being used in the Premier League.

It could have been used last season but clubs chose to delay it in order for the problems to be ironed out but the year clearly wasn't used well enough.

How long it takes, inconsistency, why on field officials aren't using the pitchside monitors and just how close offside calls are chief amongst the complaints that have been made.

City's loss to Spurs was the perfect example of the issues with Raheem Sterling not sent off for a similar challenge to the one Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saw red for just a few weeks ago and the penalty decision taking so long.

Despite the issues only 15% of those polled said they wanted the system to be abolished completely with 74% saying they wanted it to be used with changes.

Fans also want a time limit to be introduced, with 71% thinking that would be a good idea, and 81% want to see the same footage the referees are seeing when they check.

One issue with fans seeing the footage is that some grounds don't have big screens, with Anfield and Old Trafford the current Premier League grounds with that issue.

How fans see VAR decisions at Old Trafford. Image: PA Images
How fans see VAR decisions at Old Trafford. Image: PA Images

The league's own research into VAR is set to be revealed to the clubs at a routine league meeting later this week after 250 games of the system being used.

VAR was used at the 2018 World Cup with great success but that hasn't been the success since its introduction in the English domestic game.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Manchester City, Spurs, Football News, Jose Mourinho, Football fans, Referees, Premier League, Fans, VAR

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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@Sidler28