The Premier League has responded to a survey showing that the majority of fans are against the use of video assistant referee (VAR) technology. The system, introduced in 2019, has remained a contentious issue among supporters and pundits.
A poll of nearly 8,000 fans conducted by the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) found that 75 per cent do not support the use of VAR, while 90 per cent disagreed that its introduction has improved the matchday experience.
In a statement, the Premier League cited its own research and statistics, saying: "We recognise the importance of minimising the impact of VAR on the supporter experience. As part of ongoing dialogue with supporters, Premier League research indicates fans are largely in favour of keeping VAR, but improving the way it is used." The league added: "VAR delivers more correct decisions. In recent seasons, there have been around 100 correct VAR overturns per season - instances where goals would otherwise have been incorrectly awarded or disallowed, or red cards or penalties missed or wrongly given."
The league also noted that it applies "a high threshold for VAR intervention, with the referee's call taking precedence", making VAR less intrusive in the Premier League than in other European leagues, including the Champions League, where it intervenes almost twice as often.
Despite adjustments such as semi-automated offside and referees announcing decisions over stadium speakers, opposition remains. FSA Premier League network manager Thomas Concannon said: "The results show that most fans want VAR removed. We've all lived with VAR for so long now that we've seen the negative impact it's had on the game."
Separate figures from the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel, reported by BBC Sport, show refereeing errors on the pitch and through VAR have risen to 54 this season, compared with 44 at the same stage last season.
