Ex-Premier League star slams "embarrassing" VAR and calls for it to be scrapped

02 December 2023 , 09:45

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Former Premier League defender Ian Harte has called for VAR to be scrapped (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Former Premier League defender Ian Harte has called for VAR to be scrapped after the latest set of "embarrassing" decisions across Europe.

Technology has come under fire once again this week after Paris Saint-Germain were awarded a stoppage-time penalty against Newcastle in the Champions League. VAR advised referee Szymon Marciniak to go over to the pitch-side monitor after the ball struck Tino Livramento's arm, and the Pole decided to give PSG a spot-kick.

However, replays showed that the ball struck Livramento's chest before deflecting onto his arm. Eddie Howe and Newcastle were furious with the decision. Meanwhile, Gary O'Neil was seething after he saw four decisions go against his Wolves side during their 3-2 defeat against Fulham.

Ex-Leeds and Reading left-back Harte, who scored 85 goals in 547 matches during his career, doesn't think there is a place for VAR in the game as he lambasted the technology. Speaking to Mirror Football and Free Bets, Harte said: "Honestly, I think everyone is fed up with it.

"It was brought in to enhance and make things more clear. But if anything, it's gone the other way. I think it's so embarrassing, especially in the Newcastle game the other night.

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"I thought the referee was good throughout the whole game. He didn't back down to all the Paris Saint-Germain players running off and asking for a penalty. It's literally bounced off Livramento's thigh and on to his arm, it moves quickly and it should have never been a penalty."

Ian Harte during his time with Leeds

When asked about whether there should be more responsibility on the referees, Harte said: "I do. I think the referees have to be more transparent as well.

"If they've made a decision and they come out after the game and say it wasn't a penalty. I think the referee should come out and explain their decisions. At least people are then a bit clearer about it."

From Championship and below, there is no VAR. This means you can celebrate a goal without having to worry about whether the technology will intervene or not. "I must be honest, the lower down the chain you go, the refereeing has been terrible," Harte added.

"Some awful, awful decisions and the refereeing committee need to be bringing in better people. The pinnacle is the Premier League and I think there has been too many bad decisions by the referees taking too long making decisions. I think everyone who is watching the game can see certain decisions, whether it's onside or offside and I don't get why it takes three minutes."

Quizzed on if he believes former players should get involved with refereeing, Harte said: "Yes I do. There is probably two sides to it. I think players should be a bit more involved in it, but if I'm being totally honest I think they need do it away from VAR. The beautiful game that we play; it's absolutely killing it.

"Players celebrate and they've scored a goal, but it goes to VAR and we're waiting three or four minutes. They celebrate again, or it's disallowed. From a fans' point of view when they are paying a lot of money and then you're waiting. They should go back to the days where the referee decides himself whether it's onside or offside."

Kieran King