Concerns Over Referee Decision-Making Amid VAR Reliance

omidbasir- BBC Sport pundits Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer have voiced their concerns regarding the current state of officiating in football, suggesting that referees appear to be “petrified” of making decisions without the “safety net of VAR”. This commentary follows a recent incident in which officials awarded a free-kick rather than a penalty, despite a clear handball by Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne in the penalty area.

Rooney described the decision as “one of the worst I have ever seen”, highlighting the growing frustration among players and fans regarding the inconsistency in officiating. The reliance on VAR, he argues, may be contributing to a culture of indecision among referees, ultimately affecting the integrity of the game.

This incident raises questions about the efficacy of VAR as a tool for enhancing officiating standards and whether it inadvertently creates an environment of fear among match officials.