Calls to scrap VAR in the Premier League have intensified following controversial incidents during Arsenal's 1-0 win at Liverpool on Sunday.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game, tapping home at the back post after a run from Declan Rice in the first half. However, Liverpool felt they deserved a penalty when Alexander Isak's shirt was pulled by Jurrien Timber inside the box as the striker attempted to attack a cross. The Dutch defender was penalised, but the incident was reviewed using video technology and deemed insufficient to overturn the on-field decision of no penalty.
Van Dijk's frustration and further incidents
Virgil van Dijk let rip in his post-match Sky Sports interview and called on VAR to make the correct decisions. Replays showed that Timber could have been given a red card for the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity, but the right-back got off scot-free and helped Mikel Arteta's side to a famous win at Anfield, a venue they had failed to secure victory at since 2012.
Similarly, Alex Mac Allister was criticised for his theatrics after an incident where Noni Madueke moved his head to the Argentine's, but VAR opted against sending the Arsenal winger off. Cody Gakpo also wanted a penalty for an alleged foul by Christos Tzolis, but his appeals fell on deaf ears.
Referee's view on the Timber decision
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher said that it was "damning" on VAR that Timber went unpunished. "It depends which angle you watch it from," he explained on Sky, in defence of on-field official Andy Madley. "The first angle, you see nothing. That is the referee's angle. The second angle, which is what VAR looks at, and it is a lot more damning. VAR looks at it in slow motion, which is another thing against him. In normal speed, he grabs and grabs him quickly but let's go. Does he do enough [for a penalty]? What is Timber's intention? He is on the wrong side of him. Does he do enough to stop him? He [Isak] will say yes, as he is close to the ball."
Gallagher added: "VAR would be accused of re-refereeing if it is a penalty. It is a case of damned if they do and damned if they don't. It has to be the case of on-field. The more I watch it, the more I think he [Timber] has taken a big chance and has got lucky."
Growing calls to scrap VAR
With a string of controversies piling up week after week, calls on social media are growing for the Premier League to consider outlawing VAR completely. Championship clubs voted against bringing in the technology, but the majority of top-flight leagues around the world operate some form of VAR.
The debate continues as fans and pundits weigh in on whether VAR should be scrapped or remain in place.
