Premier League VAR: Man United Legend Delivers Brutal Explanation on Why Technology Must Be Scrapped

• Ex-United star, Wayne Rooney, has called for the scrapping of the VAR
• Wazza believes the technology has robbed the game of its enjoyment
• Premier League clubs will vote on possibly scrapping VAR next month

Legendary Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding the usage of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier League.

The former England captain's comments come amid discussions within the English top flight regarding the potential removal of the VAR system from the upcoming season.

Premier League clubs will vote on the matter at their annual general meeting (AGM), scheduled for next month, after Wolverhampton (Wolves) put forward a motion to scrap the technology, per GOAL.

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Notably, any alterations to league rules require the agreement of at least 14 out of the 20 member clubs, representing two-thirds.

The future of the VAR hangs in the balance, as clubs have expressed dissatisfaction with its implementation, citing an increase in errors and delays in decision-making.

Despite being in use in the Premier League since 2019, the technology continues to evoke controversy, with high-profile mistakes further fuelling that debate.

Rooney explains why he wants VAR scrapped

Rooney, who has been vocal about his scepticism towards the VAR, has reiterated his stance, advocating for its removal from the game.

"Please. Please," the 38-year-old remarked on Sky Sports, as quoted by MEN. "I have been vocal on the VAR - I don’t like it. If it is there and they got all the decisions right, then fair enough, but it has taken all the enjoyment out of the game.

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He highlighted specific aspects where he believes technology has stripped away the joy of the game, maintaining his stance that referees and football as a whole would benefit from its absence.

"You are a goal-scorer, and you score a goal and have to wait to celebrate; the fans have to wait to celebrate and then they are getting decisions wrong.

"I think you are better off letting the referees ref it and understanding that they will make mistakes, but I would much rather see the game without it."

PGMOL apologies in 2023 after VAR mistakes

Sports Brief has previously examined every instance when Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) apologised for an error in VAR usage.

One of the season's most significant was when a legitimate goal by Luis Diaz against Tottenham Hotspur on September 30, 2023, was disallowed.

Liverpool ultimately suffered a 2-1 defeat after the strike was incorrectly chalked off as offside, with Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones sent off for protesting.