Is It Time To Scrap VAR? 

We can’t keep blaming the tools when it’s the people using them that’s the problem. Focus needs to be on PGMOL and not VAR

The problem isn't VAR. VAR did its job perfectly, the officials using VAR are just bad at their jobs. They're supposed to be watching the games but clearly aren't. So what were they doing?

I don't understand why people point the blame at VAR, it's the people behind it making the final decisions who are to blame. People love VAR when it gives in their favour, but despise it when it goes against.

fairplay to buvey for being unbiased. Honestly thought he would troll but fairplay

Liverpool asking for real accountability and ultimately improvement from the officials in charge of Premier League matches is objectively better for everyone. Fans, writers and pundits trying to criticize liverpool for that is self-harming and generally idiotic.

I personally don't want to go back to a time before VAR, look how bad these officials are with assisted tech to help them, now imagine how bad they are without it...

They wasn’t even checking the same issue, the ref said it was offside, but the VAR staff thought they was checking for the goal and not an offside 😕 not sure how that happend, so nothing was changed because the VAR staff was like yeah it was a goal and completed their check, not knowing it was a check for offside

They have a automatic system which they used in the world club this would remove any doubt like goal line technology. It’s already a foreign league we need to go and get the best referees aswell.

Liverpool should of walked off that pitch without shaking or talking to any of the officials and all jogged back to the changing rooms same way chicago bulls did back in the day

The problem with VAR is that they over complicate things - to the point that the protocol hinders common sense. The VAR knew they made a mistake, but because of the “protocol” they thought they are not allowed to correct it after the free kick was taken. That is the problem. We fans do not care if the protocol is followed or if the decision takes a bit longer as long as we get the correct decisions in the end

Was a very different argument when the same thing happened with Casemiro last season didn’t hear all this defence talk about football is about that.

The only thing we wanted was goal line technology.

Didn’t hear anyone say the same for casemiros red last year?? Pandering to Liverpool fans

If there was no VAR, the Diaz goal would have still been disallowed for offside and everyone complaining about VAR today would have been complaining about how terrible the linesman is. Whether it's on field decisions or VAR decisions, human error is always going to be a factor. The VAR officials made a massive mistake, yes but referees have been making big mistakes since the rules of the game were first written down. Mistakes are just a part of the game. Crucially though, more correct decisions have ultimately been made since the introduction of VAR. If we want to get rid of VAR then we need to accept refereeing mistakes and not complain when they happen. Is that likely? Is it fuck. Someone making a mistake isn't a reason to get rid of VAR. The other thing people say "oh you can't celebrate a goal" is also utter nonsense. Pre VAR, fans and players celebrated goals all the time only to turn around and see that the flag has been raised. The only difference, and it's a pretty big one, is that if the flag has been raised, there's still an opportunity for the goal to be allowed after a review. Being able to celebrate a legitimate goal twice is infinitely preferable to having that legitimate goal chalked off because of a mistake. The Diaz goal wasn't properly reviewed and that's a colossal error. It sucks for Liverpool but that's football. VAR or not, mistakes are always going to happen.

Why did non of the Liverpool players at the time appeal the disallowed goal… the ref would’ve had to do something or go to the screen. regardless if VAR was working or not. Even the commentators hade conclusive replays & images.

Casimerio was sent off for a similar challenge last season and no one defended him 😮

Alot of respect to you guys for speaking up about this as rival fans - I'm a Liverpool fan and I've accepted this game is done and dusted and we've lost, but there has to be change moving forwards for the good of the game, which includes every team in the league. Seems like every one of the referees are happy to just close ranks and shirk any accountability for it all, pure arrogance

Come on guys. That was a red card and the argument would not even make sense back when Roy Kane was playing for Forest. Weak arguments by Buvey and Rory. Sorry.

It’s even more mental that that guys. The official explanation was that: The on-field linesman gave offside, the VAR didn’t realise and thought it was a goal and said check complete. When the freekick was taken for “offside” VAR did not intervene and correct the error. That’s what we have been told.

*Hoffman and Levy are mates. THHHIINNNKKKK ABOUUTTTT ITTTT*

We didn't see the lines because VAR called it onside, the error was they mistook the call on field. There was no need for lines because it was clearly on side. The error was the call was simply check complete, because they were looking at it from the wrong side of the fence

The Jones red is similar to Casemiro's red after tackling Alcaraz last season against Southampton. At least there is some consistency in rubbish decisions 😂

No referee confusion or mistake. Just corruption

Interesting that they debate the lines etc and should VAR be scrapped… If VAR was scrapped, that goal *still* gets disallowed - since the infield decision was ‘no goal.’ What needs changing is how VAR is applied; the fact that now it seems like the VAR thought the infield decision was ‘goal’ so therefore went with ‘check complete’ it says to me the first step of ANY VAR decision should be confirmation of the onfield decision.

Not sure I understand the scrap all tech argument. If the partial offside tech used at the World Cup was used, it is a goal. If you scrap VAR, the linesman flagged for offside.

If city won against wolves, liverpool wouldve been sound this game, everything would've gone the way a match should.

Buvey has definitely come along way with his analysis. Very based in his opinions. Top job fella.

6:31 Rory says Salah plays a pass through the heart of the Liverpool defence think you meant Spurs

#1- If the ball makes contact with the hand in the box it’s a penalty #2- there must be clear daylight for offside calls. These two simple changes make the rules completely objective and take all controversy out of the equation, it’ll be frustrating to adjust to the handball rule but it’ll effect all teams in equal measure and push VAR to be as effective as TMO in rugby

What annoys me is the goal was given by VAR and then the lines weren’t drawn that’s the difference between this and other subjective decisions people are banging on about. Even the Curtis Jones red is subjective which needs to be separated from what happened with the offside controversy.

Stupid VAR.

Hey Rory, in your unbiased analysis you forgot to mention that Destiny Udogi got booked for what wasnt even a foul... the free kick from that booking is what started the passage of play for Thier goal... so i guess using your own simplistic interpretation of the mechanics of a football match, that goal wouldn't of counted. So its still 2-1 spurs.

My respect for these two 📈📈📈

We traded spontaneous celebrations on and off the pitch and continuous football for more VaR controversies than ever. It’s a shit trade. Var is not worth it honestly

not sure why they don't also hold Jota accountable for his actions? He knows he's on a yellow. There was also an incident he *should* have been booked for, before the his first yellow, which likely increased his chances to get a booking on the next incident.

Scrap VAR? To have no accountability? Sure....😮

If VAR didn’t exist, everybody would she shitting on the linesman saying that they need video assistance so they don’t make mistakes like this.

Both red cards were correct the VAr goal is horrible officiating though

People calling Jones red card a disgrace but last season they were saying Casemiro deserved a straight red for similar but even less malicious tackle

Even if VAR is 100% correct VAR still removes spontaneous emotion. There is no point celebrating a goal.

I didn’t see this kind of uproar from the media with casemiros red card against Southampton last season? Remember? Same circumstances as Jones, wins the ball, foot rolls over the ball and makes contact with the player. there was no sympathy for Casemiro so there should be no sympathy for Jones

curtis jones foul was a red

The curtis jones one was a red, no doubt about it. With or without VAR that's red everyday of the week and twice on sundays. L take from both. Dangerous play and hits him above the ankle

(1) Incorrectly offside. (2) 1st yellow card on Jota. (3) Ref trip to UAE prior to the game, where is Man City owner from??? (4) Freezing screen VAR on Jones. (5) Incorrectly given corner kick when the last touch made by Tottenham player.. I'm still trying to digest on how those incidents can just be called "Human error". Those ref are corrupt on my view. PL has lost it's credibility.

I think it's absolutely WILD people think the Jones challenge isn't a red. I can only assume they've never seen their players stretchered off the pitch in oxygen masks. Yes, that red is supposed to discourage people from going in too hard over the ball and committing potential leg breakers. If you can't challenge for the ball without endangering an opponent, you shouldn't be a pro footballer.

Lunge for the ball with studs up and that is a perfectly legal challenge, don't think so pal. Every footballer has a responsibility that every challenge does not put the opponent in any physical danger. And clearly Bissouma was in physical danger. He was lucky not to break his leg.

Good tackle vs Bad Tackle....Jota made a BAD TACKLE... definitely a RED

Use automated VAR for offsides as per the World Cup and Serie A.

Scrapping VAR is not the answer. VAR is not the problem. The issue is and always has been our refs. Nothing changes unless we get rid of them. Remove VAR, but keep the current refs and we'll see the same mistakes we currently are. That Liverpool offside goal that everyone is outraged by, if VAR didn't exist it STILL wouldn't have been a goal, the linesman raised his flag, he made the initial error, we'd be sitting here talking about how did the linesman not see that was onside. Sack the lot of them.

Take the possibility of corruption off the table. If points can be deducted, and players punished retroactively, why can't points be reinstated/awarded, and obvious errors and goals be acknowledged and added to scores/tables? Accumulated yellows can also be at risk from corruption, so give them the same option for var as reds get, but stop with the screengrabs, the one they showed of Curtis didn't show the whole story in the slightest.

The problem isn’t VAR it is biases of the people conducting it, that’s why Without VAR it would be worst for any clubs other than Manchester clubs, at least with VAR it is much harder for their biased view to be defended

I don't think the referees decision should be overturned. Especially when its a 50/50 decision. The onfield decision should stand. Unless its clear and obvious

"I think they win the game" this is the issue, we don't know. History was changed by those moments, it's impossible to revise it and say what you think would have happened with any level of accuracy other than a feeling. The goal should of stood, it was possibly the worst mistake we've seen from VAR, but we've seen others. Shall we replay every match where there's been wrong decisions, what about subjective or questionable decisions. Shall we replay every time a red card is rescinded? Say we replay and Spurs win 3-0 and Liverpool lose the title on goal difference by one goal. Should we then argue the 2-1 should stand and Liverpool win the League? There's no doubt the 2nd Red was a red, so if we replay should we start with the same teams and Jota gets sent off at the same time. Would both teams play for a 2-2 draw. Of course not. The Jones Red was questionable, I don't think it was but others disagree. Will be interesting to see if it's overturned. Either way it's in the history books now. Liverpool were screwed over, but anyone claiming this moral high ground of asking for a replay isn't asking for no one to be screwed over, they are asking for Spurs to be screwed over in their place. I have no affinity or dislike of either team, I don't support a prem team, or a team with any particular history with either. I just see a lot of fans who keep quiet when VAR helps them and moan when it screws them. Don't claim to be moral if that's what you do. Call out mistakes by all means, but be consistent even if it goes your way.

2 red cards clear as day. Offside decision was absolutely shocking.

Where was this passion from boothy for the garnacho shoulder offside against arsenal

I’m a liverpool fan and my opinion is keep VAR get rid of these incompetent melts who are operating it!

Why didn't Buvey say this when Casemiro got sent off? Oh that's right, it's United.

If Liverpool cheated or they did something wrong they would be cut points the shoe now being on the other foot var made several mistakes this has only two outcomes give Liverpool 3 points or reply the game , a replay would be unfair to spurs so there's only one cure for this f#ck up give both teams 3 points rcancel all red and yellow cards in game and send all letters of complaint directly to the fa not to var because they at the end of the day are the employers and correct me if I'm wrong aren't they supposed to be independently keeping this league honest for (ALL) teams , FA DO YOUR JOB or you will regret this game ,,, it's not going to magically go away !..

No, just have proper staff to operate it

Apparently the reason the goal wasn’t given was because the var thought that the on field decision was a goal and not offside. The var said check complete thinking the goal would be given not realising the on field call was given as offside.

I’ve been defending var and shoring on refs for years but at this point I can’t even defend var anymore. I’m starting to shit on both. If it goes I wouldn’t be mad

Pretty much every game this weekend had bad decisions.. Dias was clearly on.. those red cards were clearly not red cards.. the player who scored the winner for wolves should’ve been sent off.. 😅 it’s embarrassing. This is the biggest and most watched league in the world why are the referees so bad. It’s not because your team lost due to a bad decision it’s the fact these decisions are in every game constantly. And Rory Saying about the replays is 100% true. Ruining the game.

Even 2 people with clear agendas against Liverpool agree on how moronic those officials were or all officials in this country for that matter. VAR is NOT the problem, these clowns using it are. These 2 would do a better job in Stockley Park

People forget that the Spurs player asked the ref to give Jota a yellow for the first challenge. That in itself is a yellow card. But any ways

VAR just makes the mistakes even less forgivable

I'm a barca fan. Without VAR, Barca vs Chelsea 2009 gonna happen again. I dont like that.

Officials need to be dropped to championship if they have a history of errors. Promote lower league match officials or bring in officially from abroad

You know it should have been offside without VAR. So what will get better?

How webb and england still have a job is insane

Problem is even you scrapped VAR, that officiating crew was terrible anyway.

Ridiculous take; even if VAR wasn’t there that game the goal wouldn’t have stood because the linesman got it wrong

Jota should not have got booked for that first Udogie foul or incident, but he had other fouls that should have given him a yellow. He completely took out Bissouma on a break and got away with it which should have resulted in a yellow.

How can you say that Liverpool would have won the game, Rory if the correct decisions had been made? That's a load of hypothetical garbage.

It’s not VAR. it’s the people operating VAR. without VAR the liverpool goal would still not have been a goal cause the original call was from the linesman. Just so happened that the VAR official was presumably at the food table when it happened so he didn’t bother to pay attention to what he was checking.

Hang on, they didn't mention that Bissouma tripped himself up with his own feet.

So 1stly lino gets it wrong. Then var ref gets it wrong. Then var assistant ref double checks then still gets it wrong?

Also Jota was an idiot. Jones was really an easy red. Breaks Bissouma's ankle and what then?

And here comes the reactionary brigade!

Someone please find Buveys reaction to Casemiro’s over the ball challenge last season and compare reactions

Ref did well. 2 clear reds. Var ruined it for him

well done guys- so good to see unbiased opinion

Casemiro got sent off for a similar challenge to jones' last season, dont remember buvey arguing for it then

Just bring in the automated offside technology, it works well in Serie A and at the World Cup, then make the rules for what a red card is more consistent throughout all the referees because what's a red card this week isn't the next and that's on the rule makers as much as it is on the refs

The system asks VAR referees the wrong question - it asks them to confirm whether the on-field offside decision was correct or incorrect. It should be set up with a different question - was it offside. We would have gotten the correct decision if the correct question was asked of VAR

the reds are arguable since ive seen cards like that before where they take the refs word for it but the offside goal was just embarrassing how can the var sit there and disallow an obvious goal and instead of telling the ref wait no its not a freekick its a kickoff they just sit there and think we’ll just apologize after the game any football fan with a brain agrees this is a disgrace

Cheque complete *PGMOL after their stint in UAE 48 hours earlier. Nothing to see here said Khaldoon Mubarak.

VAR would be good if it was run by competent refereeing staff. Remove VAR and you have the same problems as before just without more time being wasted. Ultimately the EPL needs entirely new referees and referee management.

Just take humans out of var offside and goal line and the head ref handles the rest

No VAR and the mug linesman still denies a Liverpool goal.

Title should be, ‘should we scrap PGMOL’?

If there where lines there one minute and gone the next , I’d have a word with Lee gunner

I don't feel sympathy towards jota. Even if first one isn't yellow he shouldn't do that tackle when he is on a yellow

Scrap PGMOL or create a competitor who can ensure that they do their job properly

Thought it was a terrible idea before it started, still feel the same way

The technology behind VAR is a tool. The tool is only as effective as its user. The refs are just crap. It's not the tech behind VAR thats the problem it's how badly the refs use it. Better training needs to go into this and bigger repercussions need to be given for not using the tools properly. When it's so easy to do so. The video is right there. Making the line is simple, bein sport did it in like 2 minutes. This is not an immediate decision that needs to be made by the human eye. I disagree with Rory that we don't need lines. We of course need lines for the fairness of the game but the human element is ruining the fairness. They aren't using the tools at their hands to make the right decision. They use emotion and fear to make decisions and that's wrong.

A bad workman blames his tools

Are they also forgetting the 3 saves Allison had to make? On another day we could have been 4-1 up before the Jota red card.

Yea the old ‘scrap VAR’, we currently discuss the human errors using the VAR system. Let’s go back to the referees making the decisions and the human error’s that unfold then, which on the whole will be a whole lot worse. At least using the VAR system there is hope of making the right decision, with the right people and protocols being followed. What that looks like, rugby decision making process maybe?

When are we going to stop blaming a screen and start blaming the people operating it imagine how bad these refs are without the assistance

Curtis Jones got a deserved red