21 September 2023 , 16:10
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MLS pundit Taylor Twellman has fired a bizarre jibe at the Premier League's VAR system, aiming criticism at the forensic approach of decision-makers.
The former USMNT international came up with an outlandish analogy to explain his ire for the approach to using technology to referee games in England. VAR - video-assisted refereeing- was first introduced in the Premier League back in 2019/20 season after a trial during the previous campaign.
While commentating on the MLS fixture between St Louis FC and Los Angeles FC on Apple TV, the former USA international revealed his disapproval for the current English system. At present, this involves incidents being referred to officials in Stockley Park in London, who review decisions.
Likewise, the German Football Association has installed its own equivalent at Cologne-Deutz, while MLS has the Video Review Center in Atlanta. VAR is not new to MLS and has been in place since 2017 but it appears that Twellman feels England's example of how to implement the system is one to avoid.
Speaking to his co-commentator, he asserted: "Different countries, different leagues, they look at offside in different ways. Look at England. It's like circumcising a mosquito when it comes to looking at VAR and certain things."
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Seemingly, his contention seems to be the highly-detailed way in which officials determine offside calls, with this normally involving lines being drawn on still replay images. At present, this has been preferred as a strategy over implementing the semi-automated system used at the last World Cup.
After being tagged in a social media post by one viewer following his bizarre comments, he doubled down on his claim. Taking to Twitter /X, Twellman reiterated his opinion, adding: "VAR in England is like circumcising a mosquito. You know I’m not wrong."
Commentator Taylor Twellman has spoken out on his dislike of the VAR system in England (Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/Getty Images)The comments received a mixed reception on the site, with many witnesses to Twellman's admission expressing their disbelief at what they had heard. One Twitter/X user posted: "Did he just say that offsides in the EPL is like circumcising a mosquito ?!??", while another added: "Lmaooo I’m glad I’m not the only one that caught that."
During the latest round of MLS fixtures, VAR was consulted over incidents in numerous games including clashes between U.S. referees Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire, along with the game involving New York City FC and Orlando City. In addition, the system was utilized in the matches between D.C. United and Atlanta, Portland and San Jose, and New York Red Bulls against Austin FC.
In these instances, claims for penalties after accusations of fouls or handballs inside the box fell on deaf ears in three of the above fixtures. However, penalties were eventually awarded to both New York City FC and Chicago Fire.