Liverpool midfielder James Milner believes the atmosphere at Premier League games is being "ruined" by VAR and has called for a review of its use.
There were yet more high-profile incidents involving the technology this weekend, with Arsenal and Everton both on the receiving end of highly contentious calls.
Milner is the latest player to question VAR in its current guise, claiming it leaves supporters unsure whether to celebrate a goal due to a fear it will be ruled out.
"I'm not a fan at all," he told The Guardian. "It might just be the old school part of me, but I think there's still too much debate around VAR.
"Goal-line technology is incredible - it's instant decision. Black and white. But it's very hard to use VAR when you've still got opinions on the decisions and the atmosphere is being ruined.
"You score, there's an explosion of noise and then it's over to VAR. You wait. Is it a goal?"
Milner benefited from a late VAR intervention to convert a stoppage-time penalty in Liverpool's 2-1 win against Leicester City on October 5.
The 33-year-old has sympathy for match officials but worries the system is having a negative impact on the sport.
"I had the experience of a penalty the other week," he said. "That was a new experience as they're debating if it's going to be a penalty.
"I think there's use for it - if we can improve it. But football is a game of human error on the field and in officiating as well.
"They have a very tough job and I'm all for making their lives easier, but not at the expense of the flow of the game.
"If the VAR took away controversy I'd back it 100 per cent. But we're still having discussions about VAR. I don't think many footballers feel differently."
pucaeostuy
1
VAR,in England is not use in the right way, like wise in the other top 4,league's in Europe, totally mess
Kuzabciktz
0
even if var is here or not lfc would still win the league
Jipabemoy
0
I agree 100% with Milner. So far VAR is the player of the season, a total farce.
Vuwdnoptuz
0
football is emotional that we enjoy in an unpleasant situation. but var will kill it n I hate it much. it delays the game. it's like a mad person u don't know the behavior will out when giving answer. Manchester game against Norwich, if it was a referee himself he couldn't give two penalties in less than 20mints. n one the penalty wasn't even a penalty.
LKForLife
1
VAR is good,I have seen a lot of good decisions but I agree a bit with milner because if a team scores you have to limit your reaction because VAR might rule it out.So if a team scores and the crowd goes mad but it is ruled out by VAR for let's say a foul leading up to the goal immediately the atmosphere is ruined
Ernesta
0
VAR IS WORST
Lil_malone
2
VAR = Very Annoying Referee😉
Caycdln
0
Learn to beat the VAR
We are unbeaten.Stfu
bizou650
0
VAR in EPL
bizou650
1
EPL VAR
Musa29
1
well said rice mill 👌👌
Zere8
1
VAR lacks consistency, this technology isnt complete as well. Theres no AI to determine the offside, foul and handball, human decision is still needed. IMO, if AI is not involved, VAR review of less than 5MM offside gap can be ignored. It is so stupid if you judged something like 1-5mm as offside then they look so stupid using a ruler to measure..wasted like 5mins to decide and discuss. Make it straight and obvious, anything less than 5MM will not be given offside. they can set any number for this, but the rule has to be clear and simple.
pukdeiouz
0
Learn to beat the VAR
iradukundaeric
2
VAR: Very Amateur Referees
Rahi09
0
Because Milner fan of Ribena drink drink
cby10
0
VAR is not really ruining the atmosphere. Proper and correct use will reduce the refereeing errors.