It feels good to find the vibe to write again. Hopefully, we can sustain the energy this time.
I have written about the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) a number of times since its introduction into the beautiful round leather game of football. While it was brought to solve some inadequacies and human errors, I have mentioned that it will never take away the controversies albeit, just douse them.
The most recent of all was the penalty awarded to Arsenal against Tottenham over the weekend in a game the former won 2-1, with the penalty turning out to be the game changer and winner. Well, a lot of pundits argue that it would have been very unfair had Arsenal not won it as they were clearly the better side.
Arsenal forward, Alexandre Lacazette was fouled by Spurs' defender, Davidson Sanchez and referee, Michael Oliver pointed to the spot. Paul Tierney who was the VAR of the day also agreed after the review.
From the first look, it was an outright penalty, however, from reviews and different angles, it began to look controversial. You see, if there was no VAR the referee's decision wouldn't have had to be reviewed. Remember, VAR is not here to replace the human.
Personally too, I felt it wasn't a because Lacazette had already scoffed his shot before been hatched by Sanchez. The referee, however, looks to have made the right decision, relying on FIFA's 2011/2012 Laws of the Game which states: A penalty kick is awarded if [an offense is] committed by a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play." This, I believe, sums it up.
Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded a penalty against Cagliari over the same weekend. Like the Arsenal man, the UCL winner had already missed his kick before being fouled. Again, the referee pointed to the spot and VAR didn't change it. Two different referees in two different leagues giving same decision for similar incidents. Coincidence?
We have seen in times past were fouls are awarded for off-the-ball incidents or even before the ball gets to the target - all coming without the ball in sight. These and many more are pointers that the referees decisions were spot on, even though Jose Mourinho and some fans disagree.
Arsenal have been on the receiving end of so many poor referees' decisions, most recently against Burnley when they were denied a clear penalty. Perhaps, this is just a consolation for their many losses, if you still don't agree that it was a penalty.
Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.
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