Sports
EPL Faces VAR Uproar, Managers Push For Reforms
The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the 2019/20 season was with the objective of eliminating blatant refereeing errors by identifying and correcting significant missed incidents during a football match.
While it was expected to result in more accurate and fair judgements, the English Premier League (EPL) has conceded that achieving 100% accuracy was unfeasible.
Nevertheless, the technology has faced severe scrutiny from Premier League managers who have grown sceptical of its effectiveness, primarily due to recent high-profile incidents that have taken the spotlight away from the actual game-play.
For instance, following his team’s 1-0 defeat last weekend, Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta vehemently criticized the decision to allow Newcastle’s goal to stand, denouncing it as a “disgrace.”
Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal underwent scrutiny for three different VAR offenses but managed to withstand all challenges, securing three points for Newcastle.
Arteta told Sky Sports “We didn’t deserve to lose the match. We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. A disgrace.”
Although Mikel Arteta’s remarks were delivered in the heat of the moment, the club issued a strong statement the following day, firmly backing their manager.
Arsenal said “Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.”
The heated aftermath of the game at St James’ Park mirrored a previous VAR controversy in the high-stakes match between Tottenham and Liverpool in late September.
In that game, officials incorrectly disallowed a goal from Luis Diaz due to a miscommunication regarding the on-field decision, and Tottenham eventually emerged victorious with a 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) released the audio of the decision that led to the disallowed Diaz goal.
In the recording, video assistant referee Darren England initially deems the check as “perfect” but expresses frustration with a swear word when he realizes a mistake has occurred. He adds in exasperation, “They’ve restarted the game. Can’t do anything, can’t do anything.”
PGMOL admitted a “significant human error” and Liverpool issued a statement in which they said “sporting integrity” had been undermined.
“We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR,” the club said.
Liverpool Manager, Jurgen Klopp even went as far as to request a replay of the game. Wolves, on the other hand, have had more significant reasons to be aggrieved, as they had faced four high-profile penalty decisions that went against them, which could have had significant implications.
Arteta remained resolute in his stance ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Sevilla this week, emphasizing that it was the responsibility of managers to address the concerns related to the use of VAR.
He said “Errors are part of evolution. The trajectory is never going to be (always upwards), there are always going to be bumps in the road and these things are necessary to improve the game in the right way.
“But we have to talk loudly. If you have a problem and you put it in your drawer, the problem is in the drawer and it’s going to stink at some point.”
Chief Executive, League Managers Association, Richard Bevan, stated that coaches are eager for changes, such as the video assistant referee working consistently with the same referee each week.
Bevan told Daily Mail “PGMOL have confirmed to us that they are actively looking at how best to incorporate VARs into match-day refereeing teams, to ensure the dynamic between on-field referee and VAR is conducive to producing positive outcomes.
“The managers are also calling for a review (and simplification) of the interpretation of the term ‘clear and obvious’ in VAR decision-making, as this is a cause of much confusion at present.”
Henry Winter, The Times’ chief football writer, called on the Premier League to heed the voices of the club managers.
He said “Anyone who attends a game or watches on television knows that VAR has never been more contentious. Some grown-up debate is required. The starting point is that, love it or loathe it, VAR is here to stay.”
Belgium have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup Group G clash against Iran after star winger Jeremy Doku was ruled out of the match due to illness.
The Belgian Football Association confirmed on Saturday that the Manchester City forward would not be available for selection when the Red Devils take on Iran at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
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“Due to illness, Jeremy Doku will not be part of the squad for our upcoming game against Iran,” Belgium announced in a statement on social media.
Doku featured in Belgium’s opening World Cup fixture against Egypt, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, the 24-year-old struggled to make a significant impact and was replaced by Matias Fernandez-Pardo late in the game.
His absence comes as Belgium seek their first victory of the tournament and attempt to strengthen their chances of progressing from Group G.
With the Red Devils under pressure to deliver after dropping points in their opener, Doku’s unavailability is expected to be a significant blow to coach Rudi Garcia’s plans.
The Manchester City star is regarded as one of Belgium’s brightest talents and a key figure in the country’s efforts to rebuild following the disappointing group-stage exit of their famed “golden generation” at the 2022 World Cup.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding his tournament participation, Doku could also miss a potential knockout-stage fixture, as his wife is expected to give birth to their first child during the second week of July.
Belgium will now look to overcome Iran without one of their most dangerous attacking players as they aim to get their World Cup campaign back on track.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has reportedly agreed a deal to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF, in a stunning move that will see him team up with football legend Lionel Messi.
The 34-year-old is set to leave Manchester United at the end of his contract, bringing an end to his spell in the English Premier League.
According to transfer reports from football journalist Fabrizio Romano, all parties have reached a verbal agreement, with only final paperwork and official announcement remaining to complete the move.
ALSO READ: Chaos In Kolkata As Fans React To Messi’s Sudden Exit
Casemiro, who previously enjoyed a highly successful career at Real Madrid, is expected to bring experience and stability to Inter Miami’s midfield as the club continues to build a star-studded squad around Messi.
Despite a challenging spell at Old Trafford, the Brazilian regained form toward the end of the season, helping Manchester United push for European qualification.
However, both player and club reportedly agreed not to extend his contract, paving the way for a fresh challenge in the United States.
Inter Miami are believed to have beaten interest from clubs in Europe and the Middle East to secure the midfielder’s signature, with the opportunity to play alongside Messi seen as a major factor in his decision.
If completed, the move will further strengthen Inter Miami’s ambitions in Major League Soccer, adding another high-profile name to their growing list of global stars.
Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi will face trial in France over a rape allegation linked to a 2023 incident, after a French appeals court confirmed on Friday that the case will proceed to a criminal court.
The ruling represents a major legal development for the Paris Saint-Germain defender, although no date has yet been fixed for the start of the trial.
ALSO READ: AFCON 2025: Morocco Eye Top Spot As Hakimi Makes First Appearance
Hakimi, who has consistently denied all allegations, remains one of the most high-profile African players in world football and a key figure for both club and country.
Allegation dates back to 2023
The case began in February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman reported to police in the Val-de-Marne region, southeast of Paris, that she was raped at Hakimi’s residence.
Investigators say the woman claimed she met Hakimi on Instagram and later visited his home in a taxi allegedly arranged by him.
She further alleged that unwanted advances were made before the situation escalated, adding that she managed to push him away and later contacted a friend who came to pick her up.
Hakimi maintains innocence
Following the court ruling on Friday, Hakimi insisted he is ready to defend himself, saying:
“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. At last, I’ll be able to speak.”
His lawyer, Fanny Colin, also stressed that the decision does not indicate guilt, stating: “Nothing here says that he is guilty of anything, he remains steadfast in his defence.”
Complainant speaks out
The complainant, identified as “Jeanne,” told French media outlet Mediapart that she is seeking justice and wants her voice heard in court: “I want to defend myself, to be heard. I want to explain myself. I want people to believe me,” she said.
Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, described the ruling as bringing “relief and hope” to her client.
A trial date has not yet been announced as the case moves forward in the French judicial system.
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