DBasia.news – RThe use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in world football, especially in Europe has been implemented in Europe’s top leagues. Even though fans are used to seeing it, the controversy still exists and is also commented on by Pierluigi Collina.
For those who don’t recognize Collina, he is a former Italian referee who was once world-famous for his assertiveness when officiating matches. Currently Collina is the Chief Referee of FIFA.
Collina assessed that the use of VAR did help the referee minimize, even eliminate errors that were missed by ordinary eyes, but it was technology and would never replace the subjective judgment of the match referee.
“The aim of VAR is not to dispel controversy, it is to eliminate real mistakes that affect the outcome and consequently the regular progress of a match. I think that goal has been achieved,” Collina told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It’s up to the referee to decide whether the offside position is active or passive. All VAR can do is warn him of a possible offside.”
“Interpretation is part of the rules, so even though the situations can be similar, no two will ever be identical. We just have to accept that there will be different views on a situation. Technology helps, but can never replace the human element.”
“It’s the same with handball, we suggest a penalty when the arm is raised above the shoulder, but we realize that’s not necessarily the case. A referee has to look at the situation again and his interpretation is decisive.”
Collina also believes that VAR must be applied in modern football, dismissing the news that football is better without VAR.
“If I can go back in time and lead again, I want to do it with VAR. Many referees miss important opportunities to correct mistakes that only take a few seconds to resolve. Why give up on such an important safety net? It doesn’t make sense,” Collina added.
“What we have to do is try hard to avoid the need for technology. Referees study, train, know the teams and players they are up against.”
“All this helps them to make fewer mistakes, but because nobody is perfect, we can use VAR if needed. But it happened after, not before.”