Football: VAR under the spotlight again
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
Once again, VAR, the video assistant referee, is under the spotlight and is being blamed for worsening standards in refereeing in the ‘beautiful game’.
The debate on the use of VAR continues to rage, with weekends often dominated by controversies regarding perceived incorrect officiating decisions in the English Premier League.
According to Alan Shearer, the former Newcastle United and England striker, referees:
“ …. are too reliant on it and it's affecting the standard of refereeing now, and it's not a good look."
His comments have been made after VAR was again an issue in the 2-2 draw between Bournemouth FC and Manchester United FC on 20 March 2026.
In fact, Manchester United have announced that they will make a formal complaint to referees' body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, regarding what they consider was a clear inconsistency in the decisions which were made during this match.
As previously reported on the SLT website, UEFA, the Governing Body of European Football, has called a meeting of referee chiefs from the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 in the summer to discuss the use of VAR.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
