VAR, which is an abbreviation for Video Assistance Referee was introduced to minimize the margin of errors in our favourite sport football. The aim was to minimize the human mistakes which may significantly alter the results of the game. VAR can specifically check four different possibilities. Match defining Penalties, Direct Red-Cards, Mistaken- identities and crucial goals. This based on a match official in association football who reviews decisions made by the head referee with the use of video footage and headset for communication. This is specifically to minimize human errors causing substantial influence on match results. The basic purpose is to keep the game fair and ensure that the trophies are awarded to the deserving football players and teams.

The technology was introduced in the premier league football at the start of 2019/20 season. The revolution came after all 20 premier league clubs voted in its favour ahead of the season. Fans take a lot of pride in claiming their league to be the best at this level. These boisterous claims come based on highly competitive standards of the league and wonderful management of the functioning. As the league season is coming to an end, it seems like the top-class standards of referees are being compromised to a certain extent.

VAR which was originally introduced ton minimize the errors and raise the standards of referees seems to be doing the otherwise. Several match-defining errors have been committed recently and the technology seems to be under some serious scrutiny.

Many premier league matches have had controversial decisions made by newly approved technology. For instance, in the game between Brighton and Everton, in the 77th minute of the game Brighton was awarded a penalty by VAR for a supposed ‘foul’ by the Everton defender Michael Keane.

As the penalty was awarded, The Brighton striker hit the ball into the netting and took his side into the lead. Eventually the team won the game by a margin of 3-2 and striker became the man of the match. The goal scored on the penalty turned out to be the difference between the two sides.

Everton manager Marco Silva was dismayed at the incident and raised his concerns by asking, “If VAR saw something in our box, why didn’t it see the penalty 15 minutes earlier for Richarlison?” Had that penalty been awarded, the outcome of the game could have been entirely different. Such mistakes could not just be match defining but season defining.

This is not just the one off incident, Manchester United also rode the luck on a similar incident when in the game against Norwich, they were awarded a penalty. Though united missed the penalty and still went on to win the game, the wrong decision could have been a significant difference. Norwich’s manager called it a “very big mistake” after the game.

Football players have been left disappointed since these marginal calls, which are often mistaken can change the whole context of the game. Players seem disappointed and dejected as some of the mistakes are intolerable. An incident supporting the above discussion took place when Arsenal scored against Crystal Palace in their premier league fixture. But the goal was disallowed without any conclusive evidence and justification.

Such incidents frustrate the players, coaches and fans equally. It seems like VAR has become a bane instead of being a boon for football players in the premier league football. Everybody loves the idea of having accurate decisions and fair calls, but some of the decisions have been disappointing, with clear penalties and fouls being missed and some of inconclusive offside calls denying brilliant goals from the season.

Planet Football tracked these overturned decisions over the course of the season and prepared a statistical review of the points gained and lost because of the wrong VAR decisions this season.

Currently, the defending champions are at the sixth place with 52 points. The margin between them and third placed Leicester city is of four points. Interestingly, poor decisioning by VAR has cost them six points so far. So had these things gone right, Liverpool would have been happily placed at third spot.

Burnley should be the happiest side as they have gained six points because of these mistakes. Yet they are in the bottom quarter of the table with 33 points. Probably without this stroke of fortune they could have been at the last spot.

The currently second placed Manchester United has potentially lost two points because of the wrong VAR calls. While the margin this season is a considerable one between the table topper Manchester City and second placed Manchester United, yet the slight difference could have been season defining. The trophies could have gone somewhere else. Individual man of the match awards can also go to different hands in alternate world. The authorities need to look into the matter and integrity of the league must be upheld at all costs.

However, we know that at the local level, these mistakes are not made and trophies often go to the right hands. End of the season awards are also well judged and hence, we are willing to help you with them. 1st Place 4 Trophies would love to support all those who need it. Because we value our players and lovely sport. Check out the wide range of trophies available at 1stplace4trophies.co.uk.

We offer all sorts of Football Trophies. You can have whatever you want. We have separate trophies for men and women. From Medals to Glorious Football designs . We also offer Goalkeeper Trophies, Ball and Boot Trophies, Football Glass Awards and Man of the Match Trophies. Apart from these we have thousands of designs available for you to choose. So, Take a look at them and choose one for yourself to inspire and guide you through this tough journey of becoming a Professional Football Player.