The Independent

What is VAR, how does it work and what are the biggest problems?

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Wolves manager Gary O’Neil proclaimed: “What is the point in VAR?” His side felt aggrieved after yet more decisions proved vital in defeat at Fulham. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe labelled a penalty against his own club in stoppage time against Paris Saint-Germain “a poor decision” which “looks completely different” in a slowed-down replay to officials watching on monitors.

The current situations come after an increase in the use of technology in football over the past few years but none seems to create as much heated debate and questioning as that of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

By and large, it is felt that minor and visible calls are improved across the course of the season with on-pitch referees getting extra help. However, there have been several high-profile incidents of late that have led to clubs, or personnel within them, complaining.

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