Over the last few years, the debate surrounding the need for technology in football has reached new heights. Following the introduction of VAR, virtual assistant referee, in England back in January of 2018, the newly-developed software has continuously divided opinion. With the technology being implemented for the 2019-20 Premier League season, it has resulted in managers and supporters alike questioning the impact of VAR on the modern game.

As a result, we’re going to discuss whether the technology is ruining the passion that has long surrounded football.

Technology has Proved Effective

While the debate rages on about developments in football, other sports have effectively utilized live software. In tennis, the Hawk-Eye system was introduced back in 2001 and has since proved beneficial to the long-term growth of the sport. Along with scrutinizing the trajectory of a shot at a crucial time of a match, the software has also been accepted by coaches who can use the software to analyze and visualize data. Although Hawk-Eye cannot always guarantee an accurate decision, it has been widely accepted within the tennis community. Moreover, football fans have expressed a desire for governing bodies to adopt Hawk-Eye’s challenge-based system with VAR.

Outside of sport, live technology has been used in areas such as the online casino industry due to the advantages it offers to their products. With the market traditionally being enjoyed in a competitive and high-stakes environment, the implementation of new software hasn’t compromised its fundamentals.

Is it Removing Passion?

As of the 21st of August, the Premier League saw four goals disallowed by VA R, including Gabriel Jesus’ stoppage-time winner against

Tottenham Hotspur. Following that controversial decision, which came to fruition following an inadvertent handball by Aymeric Laporte, Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, called for the technology to improve from a consistency standpoint, after a similar incident denied his side reaching last season’s Champions League semi-finals.

For many, the issues with VAR surround not only its consistency but also the speed at which it operates. Although the technology is seemingly getting the majority of decisions correct, VAR’s involvement within football does risk matchday fans losing their current sense of anticipation.

Due to the delay at which VAR makes decisions, a period has emerged where fans are unsure as to whether they should celebrate in case the goal is overruled. However, with that being said, Jordan Ayew’s 87-minute winner against West Ham demonstrates just how effective the technology can be. Initially, the Crystal Palace forward’s goal was ruled out by the linesman for offside, before a lengthy VAR analysis overruled the decision, allowing the Ghanaian’s match-winning contribution.

To Succeed, VAR Requires Patience

As highlighted by various sports and industries, technology can enhance both growth and enjoyment among participants and viewers.

While VAR’s shortcomings have been there for all to see, it’s perhaps too early to say that it is ruining the passionate spirit of football. Although it has already affected several significant moments, if given time, football could massively benefit from a technology-focussed future in the coming years.