Shropshire Star

VAR is the future of the game despite its hiccups, says Arsene Wenger

Former England captain Alan Shearer has described VAR as a shambles.

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The Video Assistant Referee system may have some “hiccups” along the way, but it remains the future of the game, according to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Former England captain Alan Shearer labelled VAR as a “shambles” in his role as pundit for the BBC after referee Graham Scott chose not to consult colleague Mike Jones over a penalty claim during extra-time of Chelsea’s FA Cup third-round replay against Norwich.

Defender Timm Klose has since admitted he had fouled Willian as the Brazilian weaved into the box, before going over and then being cautioned for diving by Scott.

Chelsea eventually prevailed 5-3 on penalties to set up a fourth-round tie with Newcastle, after Jamal Lewis’ late header had cancelled out Michy Batshuayi’s opener in the 55th minute.

The home side finished with nine men following red cards for Pedro and Alvaro Morata, who was shown a second yellow by Scott for protesting at the referee’s decision not to award a penalty when he took a tumble under a challenge from Christoph Zimmermann.

The fall-out from the VAR controversy at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night followed on after the system had been used 24 hours earlier to award a goal for the first time in Leicester’s replay against Fleetwood.

The referee can opt to use VAR only on certain decisions, such as the award of penalties or straight red cards (PA Graphics/Press Association Images)
The referee can opt to use VAR only on certain decisions, such as the award of penalties or straight red cards (PA Graphics/Press Association Images)

Frenchman Wenger has long been an advocate of video technology, but accepts there is still work to be done on all sides as to just how it is implemented successfully.

“What you want is to improve the system that exists at the moment and we will contribute to improve it,” said Wenger, who is the longest serving manager in English football.

“There are some hiccups at the start of the functioning certainly and we need to clear up the way it works, yes I agree.

“Is that enough to renounce [the current system]? I would say no, I am still a fervent supporter of it and I believe we have to move forward with it and improve the system certainly, but we have to go with it.

“You cannot imagine that in the future it will not be used. We will have to find the proper way to do it, but it has to go that way.”

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