VAR not being used correctly, asserts Alan Shearer

Premier League legend Alan Shearer is still unsure whether VAR is being put in the correct use and thinks that more clarity needs to be given to the referees on when and how to use the VAR as reported by the BBC. These comments come after yesterday’s matches where a penalty was not awarded to Watford and the on-field referee Chris Kavanagh refused to use the VAR to check for a possible penalty.

“After 9 weeks in the Premier League we all want VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to work but it is not being used correctly. I cannot understand why on earth do the referees refuse to go to the referee review area. What is the point of TV monitors on the pitchside if the referees are never going to use them? What is the point? We haven’t seen a referee once go to the pitchside monitor area all season in any Premier League game,” Shearer told during the BBC show.

VAR also drew controversy in the same game when Dele Alli’s goal was checked by VAR and was rightfully awarded but the big screen showed “No Goal”. Many players and coaches throughout England feel that VAR is killing the spice of the game and is not working the way it should. VAR’s sole purpose is to help referees decide tough calls but in reality, it has also forced referee’s to make wrong decisions. On Gerard Deulofeu being denied a penalty, Shearer went on to add that the referees need to or rather have to use the TV monitor and check for the penalty.

“How can they not say to him (Chris Kavanagh) that you need to come and look at the pitchside monitor before making a decision on Deulofeu,” concluded Shearer.