VAR To Be Used In This Season's Champions League Knockout Stages

Manchester City's penalty against Shakhtar Donetsk recently, given after Raheem Sterling tripped himself, might be one of the worst refereeing decisions we've seen but it seems to have had a good effect on the Champions League.

In typical fashion Raheem Sterling came under a barrage of criticism when he 'won' a penalty in Manchester City's most recent Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk. The only contact on the player was between him and the floor as he tripped himself.

Sterling didn't appeal for a foul and it wasn't a dive really but when the ref pointed to the spot there was plenty of people on social media claiming the England winger should have owned up to not being tripped, which was nonsense.

It was though one of the worst refereeing calls of recent times. The ref wasn't in a bad position and the extra official, stood behind the goal, that UEFA uses should have been able to spot the lack of contact.

Whilst no one usually wants trash officiating there is one positive that's come from it, we're going to get VAR in the Champions League from next year.

According to The Times, UEFA will confirm on December 3rd that the knockout stages of this season's competition.

The 'foul' on Sterling was non existent. Image: PA Images

The decision was already being discussed pre Sterling and video officials were due to be brought in for next season's competition but they are being fast tracked for February. It will mean the end of the extra officials.

The Europa League won't see VAR introduced until next season although the European football governing body could still choose to use the system in the final this season.

UEFA's early move will mean that the Premier League will be left as the only major competition in the continent not using the system this season, although it will be brought in next season.

Some of these officials will be 'relegated' to the VAR studio from now on, thankfully. Image: PA Images

VAR was relatively successful at the World Cup and didn't slow too many games down whilst mostly giving the correct decisions.

England were on the end of a couple of bad decisions in the tournament, mainly the not giving of penalties from corners, and there was a very harsh call in the final which handed France a penalty.

The Champions League will no longer be blighted by grass tripping players up.

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Champions League, Shakhtar Donetsk, Raheem Sterling

Ryan Sidle

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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