Another weekend in the Premier League, another new set of questions and concerns over VAR. A division that is supposedly the "best in the world" seemingly doesn't currently have the refereeing structure to match that billing.
VAR has come under maybe the most amount of scrutiny since its introduction into the English top flight back in August 2019. But after much controversy in recent days, the technology and the personnel using it are once again being heavily criticised.
Indeed, one national newspaper is even claiming clubs are "compiling lists of their VAR injustices" in case they wish to follow the example of Newcastle United - who were reportedly in the process of filing an official complaint over decision made so far this term.
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Other sides have had good reason to raise concerns too - like West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
The Hammers were denied a late equaliser against Chelsea on Saturday after Maxwel Cornet's goal was ruled out after Jarrod Bowen made the smallest of contact with Edouard Mendy, while as already mentioned, Newcastle were potentially denied two additional points after they had a goal ruled out in their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
These are mistakes that could be the difference between league standings, but they are also mistakes seen week in, week out.
England international and West Ham captain Declan Rice took to Twitter to express his view on what happened at Stamford Bridge: "That’s up there with one of the worst VAR decisions made since it’s come into the game. Shambles."
Philippe Coutinho can also feel heavily aggrieved at the state of officiating in the Premier League after his super strike against Manchester City was ruled out. An early flag was raised on this occasion - but he was not offside.
In a rare step, the Professional Game Match Officials’ Board have "acknowledged" the specific decisions that have caused so much controversy and the Premier League's request for added investigation have been accepted.
Fans are understandably frustrated with the way VAR is used in matches and calls to "get rid of it" have been made, but former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher doesn't think that is the answer.
"No, I talk about half full, half empty glasses and mine's half full," Gallagher told
"Think of all of the decisions that it's rectified, think of all of the decisions it's got right. The offside at Brentford, last season that goal would have been disallowed or before VAR that would have been disallowed.
"Quite clearly an understandable error. Things like that. The ones that we talk about that haven't been given, they would have never been given without VAR. It's a matter of where are going to go? How are we going to develop? How are we going to make it better? Make it better, don't kick it out."
Many fans even struggle to celebrate their team scoring goals these days with the possibility of VAR ruling it out on their mind. The technology can be a passion killer and that is the one thing that separates football from the rest.
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