A recent survey conducted by the Football Supporters’ Association reveals that a significant majority of Premier League fans, approximately 75%, are opposed to the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee).
The poll, which included nearly 8,000 participants—over half of whom attend more than 15 home games each season—aimed to gauge opinions regarding this technology.
The findings highlight the growing dissatisfaction with VAR; over 97% of respondents disagreed with the notion that VAR enhances the enjoyment of watching football, and more than 90% felt it has not improved their matchday experience.
When asked about their support for VAR in football, 75.71% responded negatively, with more than 70% asserting that it hasn’t improved the accuracy of refereeing decisions.
The duration required to reach decisions using VAR continues to be a major source of frustration among fans.
Fewer than 3% of respondents believe that decisions made using VAR are reached in a reasonable timeframe, and a large majority feel that recent efforts to expedite the decision-making process have been ineffective.
Additionally, over 90% of fans believe that VAR has diminished the excitement of goal celebrations.
The introduction of in-game announcements to clarify VAR decisions has garnered support from more than half the fans, but dissatisfaction with the overall communication regarding VAR remains prevalent.
A slight majority of participants indicated they support the use of VAR for reviewing red cards, yet there is widespread opposition to its use regarding offsides, fouls, and handballs leading to goals.
Among the technological interventions surveyed, goal-line technology received the strongest backing, with over 93% support from respondents.
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Over 85% of respondents expressed concern about a potential expansion of VAR, particularly since the Premier League intends to consult clubs about using VAR for corner awards next season.
If approved, this potential expansion is unlikely to be welcomed by fans, as more than 70% oppose it.
A majority also reject the use of VAR to check second yellow cards, although a proposed challenge system, limiting the number of interventions, found marginally more supporters than opposition.
Interestingly, the results may indicate a shift towards lower league games, with more than 80% of surveyed fans expressing a preference for matches without VAR.
According to Thomas Concannon, the Premier League network manager for the FSA, “These results reinforce our previous survey from 2021, where fans expressed concerns about the implementation of VAR.”
“The majority continue to raise similar worries five years later, particularly regarding the loss of spontaneity when celebrating goals and an overall decline in the matchday experience.”
Concannon added, “We have shared these survey findings with the Premier League and Professional Game Match Officials Limited and look forward to discussing them further.”
A Premier League representative acknowledged the significance of minimizing VAR’s impact on fans but also asserted, “VAR contributes to more accurate decisions.” They noted that in recent seasons, there have been around 100 correct VAR overturns per season, correcting instances where goals were wrongly awarded or disallowed, or red cards and penalties missed or mistakenly awarded. “Our ongoing dialogue with supporters indicates that while they see the value in keeping VAR, they want improvements in its implementation.”