The absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the FA Cup fourth round has sparked intense debate among players, managers, and fans alike, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding technology's role in modern football.
The Football Association's decision to implement VAR only from the fifth round onwards this season has led to several contentious moments in recent matches. The policy aims to ensure "consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition," but has instead become a focal point of discussion.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler embraced the technology-free environment after his team's victory over Chelsea, which might have been overturned had VAR been in use due to a potential Tariq Lamptey handball. "With VAR, football is getting not that emotional like it was today," Hurzeler told BBC Sport, praising the atmosphere and certainty in goal celebrations.
However, Chelsea's Enzo Maresca expressed frustration with the handball incident, noting that "without VAR, sometimes are more complicated." Even Manchester United's manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged that Harry Maguire's decisive late winner against Leicester City should have been ruled offside.
The situation is further complicated by the selective use of technology. While VAR remains absent, goalline technology continues to operate at Premier League and Championship grounds where infrastructure exists. This inconsistency was highlighted in Newcastle United's match against Birmingham City, where Joe Willock's controversial equalizer sparked debate.
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given supported the VAR-free matches, stating on BBC One, "I think it's refreshing they had no VAR and I wish they had this throughout the competition." However, former Birmingham defender Matthew Upson noted on BBC Radio 5 Live that it was "impossible to tell" whether crucial decisions were correct without technological assistance.
The Premier League has reported 13 VAR mistakes this season, showing improvement from the previous term's 20 errors at the same stage. Yet, the FA Cup's mixed approach to technology implementation continues to divide opinion, with some fans embracing the return to traditional officiating while others, like one supporter named Alan, consider it a "disaster," questioning the logic of using VAR in some rounds but not others.
This ongoing debate reflects the broader challenge of balancing football's traditional elements with modern technological advances, as the sport continues to evolve in the digital age.
