Paul Merson Claims VAR is…

Paul Merson has expressed his worries that the vibrant thrill of football is fading amid ongoing VAR controversies. He calls for the involvement of former players to help enhance VAR decision-making following yet another weekend marred by contentious calls in the Premier League.

This past weekend witnessed a series of debates over officiating decisions, including the reversal of Arsenal’s penalty at Newcastle, Nathan Collins escaping a red card for Brentford against Manchester United, and Brighton’s denied penalty at Chelsea.

In a passionate column for Sky Sports, Merson shares his views on officiating, touching on VAR’s implementation, confusing rules, the possible roles ex-players could play, and his concerns for football’s future…

Read the full insights from the Magic Man below.

‘Football is at risk of losing its excitement’

Scoring a goal in football is unparalleled in excitement.

The exhilarating rush you feel when a goal is scored, along with the crowd’s reaction, is an elating experience.

However, that joy is diminishing with the presence of VAR.

Celebrating a goal has become a cautious act because of VAR; fans now wait to see if the goal holds up before they cheer.

VAR’s emphasis seems to be on preventing goals rather than supporting the scoring of them, and this is troubling for devoted fans who pay to experience the thrill of live football.

‘The constant seeking of approval is tiresome’

The scrutiny of every single goal is overwhelming now; referees seem to go back further to review every detail, trying to invalidate every goal opportunity.

This is supposed to be an entertaining sport.

Decision-making used to include tolerating the occasional mistake or feeling relieved after a favorable call. Now, the thrill of celebrating a goal is overshadowed by uncertainty.

Scott Parker’s recent comments resonate strongly with this issue.

We’re not merely reviewing offsides; every slight foul is examined throughout the pitch, and even minimal handballs are scrutinized. The process is becoming tedious.

‘The monitor reviews are disheartening’

Merson contemplates a scenario where a referee gives a penalty and then, upon VAR review, confidently affirms, “I stand by my decision; it’s a penalty.” It’s disheartening when referees defer to VAR; they might as well let VAR make the calls.

The process often leads to the referee changing their original decision, which can be infuriating.

Regarding the controversial penalty claim against Viktor Gyokeres, Merson argues that although Nick Pope might have grazed the ball, he still takes the striker down.

If a player makes contact with the ball but still fouls the opposing player, shouldn’t that still warrant a free kick?

Merson on ‘confusing’ guidelines: ‘They no longer make sense’

The officiating seems inconsistent.

One week, an explanation will suffice, and the next, it’s entirely different. A defender can go through a similar incident next week, making contact with the ball but following through to take the player down. Will that then be deemed a penalty?

Take Robert Sanchez’s sending off at Old Trafford; he touched the ball, didn’t he?

I’m having trouble grasping the rules lately.

During one game, I found myself yelling at the TV. It was Fulham vs. Man Utd, and Calvin Bassey was penalized for a foul on Mason Mount, pulling him down.

I’m perplexed by what they are seeing.

Bassey, known for his heading ability, was clearly disrupted by Mount, who had his arms around him. Bassey merely pushed Mount away; is that not allowed?

When Bassey threw Mount off him, the latter lost balance and fell. In most cases, that wouldn’t even result in a fall.

It’s frustrating when the penalty is awarded to Mount, who initiated the contact. Why can’t Bassey assert himself and clear Mount off him?

‘Involving ex-pros could improve VAR’

I have consistently maintained that VAR should involve someone with actual playing experience.

It doesn’t need to be a high-profile player; even someone from League One or League Two, possibly who has to find regular work post-football, would suffice.

Having a player like that alongside VAR would provide essential insights into the game.

This doesn’t imply that footballers inherently have more understanding than referees or fans. The beauty of football lies in its subjectivity, where everyone can voice an opinion.

The beauty of football lies within its complexity.

Incorporating an ex-player into the VAR team would offer much-needed context. They could help the officials understand crucial moments and provide insights into whether a player could have stayed upright, if the fall was justified, or if the tackle was intentional.

Having this type of experience is invaluable, as it can influence decision-making in ways that referees might struggle to grasp. Their on-field discussions indicate a clear gap in that understanding.