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.”
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of Osogbo stadium, announcing that the sitting capacity of the modernised and upgraded stadium is to increase from 4000 to 15,000 upon completion.
Speaking after an early morning daily project review session which started since last week, the governor said the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost development of all games in the state.
“Upon completion, Osun will be qualified to host local and international events. Sports development will take a new tone. Our young population will have a big supportive platform to develop their talents”, the governor noted at the meeting.
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He particularly expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners who are working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium satisfy FIFA standard to eventually secure FIFA certification.
“In remodelling the stadium, we must satisfy global standards. I am happy at the involvement of local and international experts to ensure we meet FIFA and all associated standards. This is the way to go to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sport loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sport Trust Fund becomes operational. We are working round the clock to meet legal requirements and develop appropriate policy framework among others.
“We are working to also fully operationalise the Osun State Sport Commission. This and other structures are being put in place to address the many challenges facing the Sport sector. I have a vision of an Osun state sport sector with modern facilities, empowered workforce and big opportunities for sportsmen and women.
While commending the contractor for a job well done so far, Governor Adeleke commended the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi who doubled as the Commissioner for Sports, for demonstrating deep commitment to the completion of the project.
Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has thrown his full support behind rising midfielder Nico O’Reilly, insisting the youngster deserves to be crowned Premier League Young Player of the Season after a breakthrough campaign.
Guardiola made the remarks on Monday following Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, a result that further strengthened their push in the title race.
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In the match, O’Reilly delivered another impressive performance, playing with composure and confidence beyond his years.
The youngster also provided an assist for Erling Haaland, helping City secure a crucial win at a key stage of the season.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola was emphatic in his praise for the teenager, suggesting there should be no debate about the award.
“O’Reilly deserves the Young Player of the Season. What a season he has had,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know who will win the overall Player of the Season, but for the young category, it has to be Nico.”
The statement has since gained wide attention, especially after being highlighted by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on social media.
O’Reilly’s emergence has been one of the bright spots in Manchester City’s campaign, with the midfielder earning praise for his versatility, maturity on the ball, and ability to step up in high-pressure games despite his young age.
As the season enters its final stretch, Guardiola’s strong endorsement is expected to boost O’Reilly’s profile in the race for individual honours.
Ghana’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of a young player, Dominic Frimpong, who was killed in an armed robbery attack on his team bus.
The incident occurred late Sunday night as players of Berekum Chelsea FC were returning from an away fixture.
Reports indicate that heavily armed men ambushed the team along the Ahyiresu–Kwame Dwumor Sreso road in the Nyinahin District of the Ashanti Region at about 10:30 p.m.
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According to a statement released by the club, the attackers—described as masked men wielding guns and assault rifles—opened fire on the bus, forcing players and officials to abandon the vehicle and flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Frimpong sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and was rushed to a hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment.
The police also confirmed that another victim, identified as George Owusu Afriyie, was robbed of 4,500 cedis during the incident.
Reacting to the development, the Ghana Football Association described the attack as “tragic” and a huge loss to Ghanaian football.
“Dominic was a promising young talent whose dedication and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our league,” the association said.
The 20-year-old forward had recently joined Berekum Chelsea on loan from Aduana Stars FC earlier this year.
He made 13 appearances for the club and scored two goals, earning recognition as one of the team’s rising stars.
The shocking incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of football teams traveling across the country, with many calling for improved security measures to protect players and officials.
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the attack as efforts continue to track down those responsible.
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