Entry #4 - VAR in Football: Savior Technology or Killer of Excitement?

VAR in Football: Savior Technology or Killer of Excitement?


Hey everyone! I’m super excited to dive into something that’s been swirling in my mind, especially after an experience I had recently at the stadium. Last week, my granddad and I went to see Melgar FC, our beloved team from Arequipa, play against Unión Comercio. It was a nail-biter of a match, tied 1-1, until the final minutes when a controversial goal unleashed a whirlwind of emotions.

Initially, the goal was called offside. But after some insistence, the main referee decided to consult VAR. There we were, my granddad and I, holding our breath through fifteen agonizing minutes of anxiety. We even saw the opposing goalie trying to leave the pitch, utterly frustrated. In the end, joy erupted as the goal was validated, giving Melgar a crucial victory. This rollercoaster of emotions got me thinking: what role does VAR really play in football?

A Quick Detour on VAR

I know many of you don't follow football closely, so let me take a moment to explain VAR, short for Video Assistant Referee. Picture it as the tech whiz who assists the main referee by reviewing replays for crucial decisions like goals, penalties, and red cards, ensuring fairness in the game. When you see a match pause and players and fans hang in suspense, they're usually waiting for a verdict from VAR.

Now, with that brief overview, let's dive back into how this technology is shaking up the beautiful game.

Between Justice and Passion

VAR has been a hot topic of debate since its introduction. Some staunchly defend it, arguing it brings justice to the game. Think about iconic moments, like Maradona's "Hand of God"; with VAR, the story might have been very different. But not everyone agrees. Some argue that VAR robs football of its flow and excitement, that pausing to review plays breaks the rhythm and creates an atmosphere of uncertainty. And, honestly, during those fifteen minutes in Arequipa, I could see both sides of the coin.

When VAR Changes the Game

Reflecting on how VAR has rewritten the history of certain matches is fascinating. Matches that have radically changed direction thanks to decisions influenced by this technology. While it has corrected blatant errors, it has also been at the center of moments that have sparked controversy and debate.

Looking to the Future

So, where does this leave us with VAR? Personally, I think we're navigating uncharted waters. The challenge lies in finding a balance that allows VAR to coexist with the essence of football without diluting it. Improving the technology, training referees for its efficient use, and clarifying the rules could be steps in the right direction.

Closing the Match

Football, even with VAR, remains that sport that makes us feel, argue, and, above all, come together. The experience with my granddad reminded me that beyond technology, what really matters is the passion we share for this game.


Now I’d love to hear from you: What do you think of VAR? Do you believe it has improved football or taken away from its excitement? Drop your comments below! :)



More Info!

What is VAR in football

'The Hand of God' is why Maradona was hated by some but loved by millions more

Comments

  1. Lago S.March 3, 2024 at 8:37 PM

    This is a very interesting blog to read. I do fall into the category of not regularly watching football, years ago when I shared an apartment with a coworker who was raised in England, I would watch when he put it on the TV, and as a lover of all sports I found it entertaining. My opinion on VAR wouldn't be too relevant in this case, although I can see how it can be quite controversial. I find it relatable to a situation that was proposed in baseball a few years ago; they wanted to replace umpires with video, to make calls more accurate. I can see how implementing such things as VAR is an attempt to call games more fairly, but I can also see how it can be viewed as diluting the game. A very interesting topic, that's for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Prof. MurphyMarch 25, 2024 at 11:56 AM

    Video assistance in all sports has become a relevant and timely topic. Glad it worked in your teams favor in this instance!

    ReplyDelete

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