VAR: Almost two-thirds of supporters oppose system's use in English football, says new survey

VAR: How referees make decisions

Almost two-thirds of supporters have said they oppose the use of the video assistant referee (VAR) system in English football.

A fans’ survey published on Wednesday found that 63.3% were against VAR, with 79.1% of match-goers rating their experience of VAR as poor or very poor.

That contrasts with a 2017 survey by the Football Supporters’ Association – prior to VAR’s introduction – which found 74.6% of fans favoured the use of video referees to support on-field officials with game-changing decisions.

The National Supporters Survey was commissioned by the FSA and covered 9,645 fans, running online in March and April.

Almost 92% of those surveyed said that decisions are taking too long to make, while only 26.8% said they were absolutely or somewhat in favour of VAR.

Just 5.5% of match-goers rating their experience of VAR as good or very good and 65.4% of TV viewers saying their experience was poor or very poor.

The survey also reported that 80% of fans feel they should be able to hear discussions between the VAR and the on-pitch referee.

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The application of VAR technology has been questioned and criticised by managers, players and pundits throughout the Premier League season.

Speaking in May, referees’ chief Howard Webb said that releasing audio of VAR decisions is a “small step forward” in providing clarity around incidents.

In a bid to improve transparency, Webb appeared on Sky Sports to talk through how key decisions were reached, alongside pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.

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In-game audio was released by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) from six matches this season, with supporters able to hear the discussions before Webb offered further insight.

He also pointed out that, under the game’s current laws, the conversations between referees and VARs cannot be broadcast live and explained that some delays are caused by the complexities of the decision.

Fifa has agreed to trialexternal-link broadcasting of VAR review decisions in-stadium and to a live television audience.

Although Webb’s appearance on Sky was a one-off for last season, it is understood this could become a more regular feature next season. The PGMOL is also in ongoing dialogue with FSA representatives.

What else does the FSA survey say?

Just under nine out of 10 fans (88.2%) agreed on the need for an independent regulator in English football to ensure clubs are run sustainably.

Following a fan-led review of football governance, the UK government published a white paper in February,external-link which set out plans to deliver an independent regulator.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said earlier this month that the government’s consultation response to the white paper would be published this summer, but it is expected that a regulator backed by statute would not be up and running until the 2024-25 season.

“Football has said for years that it can regulate itself,” said FSA chairman Malcolm Clarke.

“The findings from our survey show that it has become apparent to the overwhelming majority of fans that it cannot, and that independent regulation is required to safeguard the future of our clubs, and the game itself.

“Football clubs can’t continue to be allowed to mark their own homework, and so we will be pressing the government to make sure what the regulator laid out in their white paper becomes a reality.”

The survey also reported fans’ concerns about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, with 21.7% saying they were attending fewer games and 31.9% reducing their matchday spending on items such as food, drink and programmes.

“The results also reveal the extent to which football fans, as with many millions of others up and down the country, are feeling the pinch due to the rising cost of living,” Clarke added.

“We support any initiative which keeps football affordable and available to all.”

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