VAR Controversies Spark Outrage from Fulham and Burnley Managers

Managers Scott Parker of Burnley and Marco Silva of Fulham voiced their frustrations with the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology following contentious matches on Saturday. Both teams faced defeats that they attributed, at least in part, to VAR interventions, prompting harsh criticisms from the coaches.

Burnley’s Heartbreak at Old Trafford

Burnley appeared poised to secure a valuable point against Manchester United at Old Trafford after equalizing twice during the match. However, the game turned dramatically in added time when United’s winger, Amad Diallo, had his jersey pulled while entering the penalty area. Although on-field referee Sam Barrott initially dismissed the call, he was directed to review the incident on video, ultimately awarding a penalty.

Earlier in the first half, a United penalty was also overturned after Stuart Attwell instructed Barrott to reassess a tussle that was deemed a foul. Following the match, Parker expressed his discontent with the current state of officiating. “It’s the way the game is going,” he remarked. “We’re probably months or a year away from not celebrating goals.” He elaborated on the uncertainty surrounding goal celebrations, saying, “You score a goal and I feel like there’s a million things go through your mind, a checklist… We need to get a computer out.”

Fulham’s Frustration Against Chelsea

Silva’s Fulham faced a similarly contentious match against Chelsea, where a disallowed goal by 18-year-old Fábio Carvalho proved pivotal. The referee, Robert Jones, ruled out the goal after determining that there had been a “careless challenge” during the buildup. Silva’s frustration was palpable as he reacted emphatically on the touchline. “Unbelievable the goal was disallowed,” he stated.

The match saw Chelsea score from a header late in the first half and convert a penalty after the break, both of which were marred by questionable officiating. Silva criticized the referee for the amount of stoppage time awarded, specifically pointing out that after Chelsea’s second corner, there was already nine minutes of extra time. “The game didn’t stop during the eight minutes, so the game should be stopped after the first corner,” he argued.

In the second half, Silva resorted to sarcastic laughter when Chelsea were awarded another penalty for handball following a VAR review that highlighted multiple potential infringements. “Yes, it’s handball from Sess, but before that moment you can find easy two or three fouls for ourselves,” Silva commented, referencing the disparity in officiating.

Following a lengthy delay, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández converted the penalty in the 56th minute. Silva, reflecting on the officiating, stated, “For someone that loves football as a manager, a former football player, I feel sad, really.” His comments underline the growing concern about the impact of VAR technology on the game and how it affects not just players, but fans and managers alike.

The reactions from both Parker and Silva highlight a significant ongoing debate within football regarding the effectiveness and fairness of VAR. As the controversies continue, it remains to be seen how governing bodies will address these grievances from clubs and their managers.