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      Is VAR being used at Euro 2024?

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      EURO 2024 will begin THIS WEEK as hosts Germany open the tournament against Scotland.The Germans are one of the favourites to lift the trophy this summer as they eye their first international title since their World Cup triumph in 2013/14.VAR has been used in the Premier League since 2019Credit: GETTYMeanwhile, England are hoping to put an end to their near 58-year wait for a major honour.The Three Lions begin their tournament against Serbia on Sunday, June 16.Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of Euro 2024 – but will VAR be in use in Germany?Is VAR being used at Euro 2024?Yes! VAR will be used at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.READ MORE IN EURO 2024A VAR will be assigned to every game in the tournament and they will have the opportunity to call on two assistant VARs, plus three video operators.The VAR hub will be based in Leipzig this summer.The rules for VAR will be deployed like they are in the Premier League; they will check for any clear and obvious errors relating to goals, penalty incidents, red cards and mistaken identity.Will any other technology be in use at Euro 2024?Uefa have confirmed that semi-automated offside technology will also be in use at Euro 2024.Most read in Euro 2024Fans first saw the use of the groundbreaking innovation at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – and it has since been used in the Champions League.The high-tech feature will use 12 tracking cameras that will create three-dimensional models of players to determine if any part of the player’s body is in an offside position.A 3D animation will be displayed on the big screens in the stadium.Additionally, the Euro 2024 match ball will include a chip designed to improve the technology’s accuracy.The more familiar goal-line technology will also be used for Euro 2024. More

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      Who is Halil Umut Meler? Meet the Turkish referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      TURKISH League referee Halil Umut Meler is officiating at the 2024 UEFA Euros.Here is everything you need to know about the football referee.Referee Halil Umut Meler was hit by Faruk Koca on Monday, December 11Credit: REUTERS/Alberto LingriaWho is Halil Umut Meler?Halil Umut Meler is a Turkish football referee.Meler was born on August 1, 1986 in Izmir, Turkey.Together with his wife, he has one child, born in 2023.He has been listed with FIFA since 2017 and in 2022 became a member of the UEFA Elite.READ MORE ON MELERWhat happened to Halil Umut Meler?In December 2023 referee Meler was punched by Faruk Koca.Meler was confronted by Koca, the president of Ankaragucu, shortly after Ankaragucu’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday, December 11.Footage shows Koca swinging and hitting the unsuspecting official after invading the pitch at full-time.After being struck, Meler fell to the floor and was then, horrifically, kicked by another person while protecting his face.Most read in Euro 2024This person has remained unidentified.Meler was then helped to his feet by a group of players, coaching staff and security who had raced to the scene. He was taken away to the changing rooms to safety.A huge black eye was already visible as he made his way off the pitch after the incident.Various media outlets have reported that he went to hospital for treatment for his injuries.All Turkish matches in all leagues were indefinitely suspended as a result of the violence.Horror moment referee is floored by punch from CLUB PRESIDENT who gets arrested – as Turkey postpones all footballThe Turkish Football Federation said it condemned the “inhumane and despicable” attack on Meler.In a statement released a number of hours after the incident, the federation said: “We are following Halil Umut Meler’s health condition closely and wish a speedy recovery to our valuable referee.”This inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish Football. Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against referees is complicit in this despicable crime.”The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today.”In coordination with our state, all criminal proceedings deserved have been initiated against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack.”The responsible club, the club president, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way.”By the decision of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”FIFA President Gianni Infantino released his own statement, saying: “There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field. “Events following the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and Çaykur Rizespor are totally unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society.”Who is Faruk Koca?Koca is a Turkish politician , businessman and sports manager.He has been the president of Ankaragucu since 2021 and was awarded the Fair Play manager of the month award in October 2022. Shortly after the incident, Turkish outlet Hurriyet reported that Koca would be detained for hitting Meler.The following day, December 12, Sky Sports reported that a Turkish court had ordered the arrest of Koca.Two other suspects were also reportedly remanded in custody over the violence.Turkey’s justice minister Yilmaz Tunc then revealed on social media that Koca and two others had been formally arrested for “injuring a public official” after giving statements to prosecutors.Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tunc added: “The investigation is continuing meticulously”.Has Halil Umut Meler officiated at major tournaments before?Meler has officiated major tournaments before, such as:In April 2024 he was selected to officiate at the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.What else has Halil Umut Meler done before?Meler officated 171 matches for the Turkish League from the 2015/16 season to the 2023/24 season.He refereed 49 matches for major tournaments in Europe.Has Halil Umut Meler used VAR before?Halil Umut Meler has used VAR before.VAR was introduced in the 2018/19 season in the Turkish League, where Meler is refereeing.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn April 2024 the Turkish Super Lig announced that they appoint foreign assistant referees for important matches until the end of the season after there were claims of bias.Officials are from Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Mark Clattenburg admits Nottingham Forest role was not a success after humiliating ‘Luton fan’ VAR row

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      MARK CLATTENBURG claims he quit his consultancy role at Nottingham Forest because he was causing more controversy and confusion than was healthy for the club.The former Premier League referee was handed his ground-breaking job by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis in February.Mark Clattenburg has opened up on his time as a refereeing consultant at Nottingham ForestCredit: PABut he stepped down three months later in the wake of the club’s furious statement on X claiming they had “warned,” the PGMOL that VAR Stuart Attwell supported relegation rivals Luton, after they were denied three penalties against Everton.Asked whether his role had been a success, Clattenburg, 49, told BBC Radio Five Live: “No, because if you look it caused more problems than it did good.”There were certain things that we implemented within the club, certain ways to give a sporting edge to Nottingham Forest, but there seemed to be a huge outcry from certain people, certain bodies, certain companies.”It was just highlighted week in, week out.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClattenburg claims there was a “misinterpretation,” of his role at the City Ground and that his remit was wider than simply advising the club on refereeing.He found himself embroiled in two major controversies.He spoke out publicly in March after referee Paul Tierney wrongly handed possession back to Liverpool following an injury to Ibrahima Konate, when Forest had the ball in the attacking third of the pitch.Liverpool surged down to the other end of the pitch and Darwin Nunez struck a 99th minute winner to Forest’s fury.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPremier League sides deducted points and others at risk
      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
      Everton
      Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
      Sheffield United
      Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
      OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
      Everton (again)
      The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season.

      He followed that up by publicly slamming the officiating during Forest’s defeat at Everton in April, when the visitor’s were denied three strong penalty claims.He fell on his sword shortly afterwards, claiming he had become: “more of a hindrance than a help,” to Forest.Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk More

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      Premier League reveals six-point plan to fix VAR after 19 teams vote to keep it despite horror gaffes

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      PREM clubs have agreed a six-point battle plan to FINALLY make VAR fit for purpose.But the move came after Wolves were left ENTIRELY isolated in their call for the technology to be scrapped next season.VAR has been hugely controversialCredit: AFPWolves felt they were especially hard done byCredit: GettyThe Molineux club were outvoted by 19 clubs to one after their call was dismissed at the Prem’s AGM in Harrogate.But refs’ chief Howard Webb vowed that his new measures, including the introduction of Fifa and Uefa-style Semi Automated Offside Technology and a significantly higher bar for VAR intervention, will address the issues that have dogged the system ever since its introduction five years ago.In a statement introducing the six step programme, which pointed out that VAR “produces more accurate decision-making”, the Prem conceded that “it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters”.That brought the “six key areas” that Webb and his PGMOL colleagues are expected to utilise to bring long-term change for the better.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe statement confirmed: “Premier League clubs today voted in favour of continuing to operate VAR in the Premier League. “While VAR produces more accurate decision making, it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters.”As part of thorough discussions at the Annual General Meeting, it was agreed that PGMOL, the Premier League and clubs all have important roles to play in improving the system and its reputation.”Stockley Park VARs will be told only to intervene when an on-field decision is “clearly wrong”, rather than the previous instruction to identify and “clear and obvious” error.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is anticipated that SAOT will take up to 45 seconds off the average delay time for offside decisions.The League explained: “Semi-Automated Offside Technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.”Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney leaves Sky Sports studio in stitches with brutal one-word response to news of VAR voteRefs will be mik’d up to explain why a decision has been changed, either after a pitchside review or on a factual call by Stockley Park.Webb is also determined to improve the quality of VAR interventions, including creating a specialist team rather than having to use current Prem refs in the video booth role.But the latter two points are an admission that fans and the wider game have frequently felt short-changed by a system that was designed to bring clarity and more consistency.And Webb, backed by the Prem, will keep pushing Law-makers on the International FA Board to lift its ban on “live” broadcast of VAR communications between officials, although the Zurich-based body remains resistant at this stage.Premier League’s six-point VAR plan

      Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to deliver greater consistency and less interruptions to the flow of the game.
      Reducing delays to the game, primarily through the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and the maintained high threshold for VAR intervention.
      Improving fan experience through a reduction in the delays, in-stadium announcements from referees after a post-VAR change of decision and where possible, an enhanced offering of big screen replays to include all VAR interventions.
      Working with PGMOL on the implementation of more robust VAR training to improve consistency, including an emphasis on speed of process while preserving accuracy.
      Increasing transparency and communication around VAR – including expanded communications from Premier League Match Centre and through broadcast programming such as Match Officials Mic’d Up.
      The delivery of a fan and stakeholder VAR communication campaign, which will seek to further clarify VAR’s role in the game to participants and supporters.

      That could mean asking Ifab to be allowed to trial the process to see if it does work without embarrassing or causing additional issues for officials.VAR was introduced in the Premier League from the start of the 2019/20 season.The current campaign has seen multiple flashpoints caused by the use of video assistant referees.Liverpool wrongly had a goal disallowed in their controversial loss to Tottenham in September.Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have written letters of complaint to the PGMOL.READ MORE SUN STORIESForest even publicly questioned the appointment of VAR Stuart Attwell after their defeat to Everton last month.Clubs in Sweden recently voted against introducing VAR to the country’s top-flight.Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.

      Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special
      Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication
      A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR
      Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity
      Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch
      Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards
      Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long
      Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league
      Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption More

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      VAR offsides could be ‘scrapped’ from Euro 2024 as UEFA is taken to court by tech firm

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      VIDEO reffed offsides could be sensationally scrapped from the Euros – because the inventor of a similar system is taking UEFA to COURT.A firm that created tech like that used by VAR to spot goalside attackers wants the organisers halted from using it – claiming their idea has been copied.Video reffed offsides could be sensationally scrapped from the Euros – because the inventor of a similar system is taking UEFA to courtCredit: The TimesThey have bagged a court date to apply for an injunction just ten days before the opening match of the tournament, which kicks off in Munich on June 14.If granted it may rule out UEFA using the love-hate system – just as fans have started to accept it.The ruling would represent a huge embarrassment to European football’s governing body – which has spent a fortune licensing the system from another firm.An England fan said: “It’s just farcical. How has it got to this stage SO close to the Euros.Read More on Euro 2024“Love it, or hate it – we’ve all started getting used to VAR.“Can you imagine if England end up going out because of a duff decision thay VAR would usually have picked up?“There would be uproar. UEFA needs to sort it out.”Dutch firm Ballinno has filed a patent infringement suit against UEFA and ball tracking experts Kinexon, from Germany – alleging unauthorised use of its technology.Most read in FootballIt claims that 13 years ago it was granted a patent for a ‘method and system for detecting an offside situation’.It says it registered a proposal for a chip in balls to alert an earpiece worn by officials at the exact moment it is kicked – removing the need to continuously watch players.Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney leaves Sky Sports studio in stitches with brutal one-word response to news of VAR voteThe firms are now set to face a show-down in a courtroom in Hamburg, less than two weeks before Germany and Scotland begin the tournament, in Munich, on June 14.Incredibly the last-minute legal face-off comes despite the initial application being logged on April 18 – five weeks ago and the first contact over the claim being made last year.But Florian Müller, a patent law expert, told Dutch media the timing was clearly designed to put UEFA under time pressure.This Saturday’s FA Cup final and the Champions League final at Wembley will be unaffected, falling before the June 3 hearing – which will be chaired by three judges.A spokesman for UEFA said: “We cannot comment as such on ongoing litigation matters. However, UEFA is not overly concerned by Ballinno’s application.”He added UEFA did not believe the use of VAR would be impacted – even if it lost the case.The original patent that was filed shows a ball-tacking tech intended to alert referees specifically to offsides.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is unclear whether the claimant alleges the whole of VAR has infringed its original patent – or just offsides.A patent expert in the UK told The Sun: “It would be for a court to decide whether any of the protected tech was being unfairly used in the VAR process.” More

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      Football could be hit by most radical change to offside law in 30 YEARS as Wenger presses ahead with ‘daylight’ rule

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      ARSENE WENGER is set to press ahead with the most radical rule change football has seen in more than 30 years as he looks to implement his “daylight” offside law. The former Arsenal boss is Fifa’s chief of global football development.Arsene Wenger is set to press ahead with his radical offside proposalCredit: GettyThe player above would NOT be offside using the new ruleCredit: DirectTVSportsHe has been a major advocate for a huge change to the offside rule that will effectively mean there has to be “daylight” between attacker and defender for an offside offence.The new rule dictates if any part of an attacker’s body that can score — head, torso or legs — is still in line with the defender then they should be judged onside.Wenger, 74, has viewed results from trials for the new rule – performed in Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands – as positive, according to The Times.And he is now set to propose this new offside law to football lawmakers at the International FA Board (Ifab).READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe most recent big change to the offside law came in 1990, when Scotland successfully proposed that attackers could be onside if they are level with defenders instead of behind them.Ex-Arsenal vice chairman David Dein backed the proposal when attending the Fifa congress in Bangkok last week, calling it “refreshingly innovative”.However, ex-Portugal star Luis Figo, who is now head of Uefa’s Football Board, is understood to be among those with reservations to the idea.Speaking in 2020, Wenger said: “There is room to change the rule and not say that a part of a player’s nose is offside, so you are offside because you can score with that. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Instead, you will be not offside if any part of the body that can score a goal is in line with the last defender, even if other parts of the attacker’s body are in front.”That will sort it out and you will no longer have decisions about millimetres and a fraction of the attacker being in front of the defensive line.”Rules of football under review after unknown Swedish club find loophole in offside lawWenger also wants to introduce kick-ins in the defensive half if they are taken within five seconds to help speed up play. More

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      Wolves have star SENT OFF by VAR in Klopp’s final Liverpool game days after filing motion to have it scrapped

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      NELSON SEMEDO was sent off for a lunge on Alexis Mac Allister in Wolves’ final-day clash with Liverpool.Referee Chris Kavanagh originally gave a yellow card but upgraded the punishment after being asked to check the monitor by the VAR.Nelson Semedo catches Alexis Mac Allister on the ankleCredit: Sky sportsThe Wolves star got his marching ordersCredit: ReutersMac Allister needed treatment after the challengeCredit: GettyThe Reds are trying to send Jurgen Klopp out on a high as the German leaves after eight-and-a-half years at the helm.And their chances were boosted by the red.Mac Allister scored just eight minutes later and Jarell Quansah made it 2-0 five minutes before the break.”No complaints. Abysmal challenge from Semedo,” said one fan on X.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “I think its an orange card, but what I’d say is that I’d find it impossible to believe the decision would have been overturned if it was Macallister on Semedo rather than the other way around. “Maybe I’m just paranoid/disillusioned though.”Top-flight sides are set to vote on whether or not to continue using the video assistants following a complaint from Wolves.According to The Athletic, the club have formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League calling for VAR to be scrapped.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn doing so, Wolves have triggered a vote from the 20 clubs on June 6.A statement from Wolves reads: “There is no blame to be placed — we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football — and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.Jurgen Klopp joins Instagram to share sweet farewell video.. and includes subtle nod to first Liverpool press conference”However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.”Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards.”The club added that they accept the decision to introduce VAR was “made in good faith” and “with the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart”.Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.

      Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special
      Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication
      A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR
      Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity
      Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch
      Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards
      Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long
      Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league
      Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption

      However, they now argue the practice has caused “numerous negative consequences”.Wolves also claim those consequences are “damaging the relationship between fans and football” as well as “undermining the value of the Premier League brand”.Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Premier League said: “The Premier League can confirm it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the annual general meeting next month.”Clubs are entitled to put forward proposals at shareholders’ meetings and we acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR.READ MORE SUN STORIES”However, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”VAR: The great debate
      Martin Lipton’s pro VAR view
      FAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.
      After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.
      A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.
      And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.
      Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.
      But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”
      Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.
      Dan King’s anti VAR view
      THREE cheers and a hearty slap on the back for Wolves chairman Jeff Shi.
      For mentioning the unmentionable,  for speaking commonsense to deaf ears, for proposing that VAR should be scrapped.
      Shi is doomed to failure. His suggestion is unlikely to even go to a vote at next month’s Premier League AGM.
      And if it does get that far, it has a cat in hell’s chance of receiving the two-thirds majority required to carry such a radical proposal.But in one statement on Wednesday, Shi proved that he will be the brightest man in that meeting room.
      He claimed VAR ‘has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand’.
      And he is absolutely spot on.
      The argument against VAR is wide-ranging and yet completely basic.
      If you believe that football is a sport, to be enjoyed in all its spontaneous, high-tempo glory, then you are against VAR.
      If you believe that football is a business, that it is far more important than a mere game, that forensic evidence must be applied, that we must reach the closest point to ultimate justice at all costs — and if you also believe that match-going supporters are irrelevant — then you are in favour of VAR. More

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      ‘Maybe it’s time to give it the boot’ – West Ham CEO joins VAR criticism ahead of landmark Premier League vote

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      To VAR or not to VAR, that is the question.Well, it will be next month when all 20 Premier League clubs will decide what to do about the most controversial new plaything in football since they invented the ref’s whistle. Not quite, but you get my point.Referees like Michael Salisbury must wait to see if the plug will be pulled on VAR next season by a vote from Prem clubs next monthCredit: RexThe use of video replays has divided opinion amongst pundits and fansYou don’t need a PhD in human behaviour, or even more baffling, the handball laws, to realise VAR has not been a universal success.It was supposed to iron out the mistakes, make the game fairer for all and improve the overall experience for fans. To put it plainly, it has done none of that.At West Ham, any decision on which way to vote has not yet been decided but in many ways VAR has been a disaster, especially for the lifeblood of the game, the supporters.I have lost count of the number of times fans have said to me, ‘please get rid of it’ — and I can sympathise.READ MORE TOP STORIESSupporters pay good money to be entertained and sitting there waiting for interminable minutes for a  decision from Stockley Park has been driving many bonkers.My real problem with VAR is this — it was intended to eliminate mistakes and yet week in, week out, it does no such thing.Errors are being made all over the Prem and against every club.Fans can deal with the human error of the ref because they understand that we all make mistakes and they accept refs make honest mistakes.Most read in FootballLong delays for decisions as well as bad errors have irked critics of VARCredit: AFPBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat they find hard to understand is how a so-called expert, in a room many miles away, with countless TV angles, can get it wrong, so often.That is my principal beef with VAR and over the five years it has been with us, it has not got much better or quicker, despite the fact that every season there have been assurances it will improve.Man United defender Harry Maguire wants VAR SCRAPPED…except in ONE way and gives Fury vs Usyk predictionAlso, VAR was introduced to avoid ‘clear and obvious errors’. We would all agree it has not been used for that.We have had instances where errors have not been corrected which a blind man could have spotted.Added to that, VAR has also punished clubs when their players have done nothing wrong. Those who back VAR say it works on offside ‘line’ decisions. But can they honestly say the Coventry FA Cup semi-final ‘winner’ wasn’t a goal because their player was a gnat’s whisker offside. Surely it is impossible to accurately record EXACTLY when a ball left the passer’s boot.Wolves have asked for the vote and, as a league shareholder, they have every right to do so.And I don’t think it is just a Wanderers whinge following a succession of decisions that went against them — most of us feel like that.I think they genuinely want to see a return to the days when refs got it right almost all the time and we could live with that.Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.

      Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special
      Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication
      A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR
      Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity
      Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch
      Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards
      Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long
      Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league
      Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption

      If we cannot improve VAR then I don’t see why we shouldn’t get rid because so many fans say it is  spoiling the game they love.Your team scores now and what do you do? You sit on your hands hoping the VAR chappie in Stockley Park hasn’t spotted anything.Beforehand, there was an instant decision from either the ref or his assistant. They got it wrong sometimes — but very rarely — and you could celebrate  like a raving banshee.The stakes are high and every place in the Premier League is worth millions.So yes, I can see the argument that we want to get as many decisions right as possible. But if VAR is not doing that then we should  seriously consider its future.Refs make mistakes and so does VAR. Maybe if VAR was adjudged by ex-players who know the game inside out, there may be an improvement.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho knows better than an ex-player if a handball is deliberate or not? I watched Sky Sports’ coverage in midweek and three ex-players, Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane and Andy Cole, all said, “it’s killing the game”.Fans don’t want it, players past and present don’t want it, so maybe it is time to give VAR the boot. More