03 December 2023 , 08:45
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Back in 2005, Luis Garcia joined illustrious names including Diego Maradona and Thierry Henry in benefitting from a lack of in-game technology.
The former Liverpool attacker will forever be cemented in folklore at Anfield for his Champions League semi-final winner against Chelsea. His close range finish was hooked clear by William Gallas, only for referee Lubos Michel to deem the ball over the line and the rest, including a certain night in Istanbul that followed, is history.
Goal-line technology has since been welcomed in the professional game of course, a nigh-on foolproof concept that few fans or players can grumble about. The introduction of VAR however, which first came into the Premier League in 2019/20, has been as divisive as it has controversial.
But the Spaniard, who also played for the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and won 18 caps for his country, believes that video technology is a "necessary evil." And he's outlined what he believes to be the major error made by fans, coaches and players when it was first implemented.
"The mistake that was made was people thinking VAR was going to be perfect," he told Mirror Football. "In the end, it’s technology that can be very helpful to football, there have been many right decisions and many where it’s been impossible for a linesman or even a fourth referee to see the incident on the pitch.
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"If people thought it was going to solve everything - well that’s a mistake. Our interpretations are different, each person sees things differently and you can’t expect a player - or supporter - from Atletico or Barcelona to see everything the same way. When you’re a fan you view VAR from your point of view and not a neutral point of view. And that’s the complication."
Luis Garcia celebrates his 'ghost goal' against Chelsea in 2005 (AFP via Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Should VAR be scrapped? Comment below.
The reference of his two former sides is no coincidence. They meet in La Liga on Sunday, and regardless of whether VAR plays a role, Garcia remains in favour of the technology and thinks it's healthy for the game to provoke debates following a weekend of fixtures.
"It’s more helpful than not," he added. "We always focus on the negative things. There can be 30 good things but we focus on the three that were bad decisions. I agree with VAR and let’s just see if we can improve things."
The 45-year-old was also pushed for his thoughts on goal-line technology with conclusive evidence yet to be proven if his Chelsea strike did in fact cross the line. He smiled: "I wish I had it when I played, that way I wouldn’t have to keep talking about the ghost goal of 2005 which I know full well this question is about! I'm delighted we have it now."
Liverpool fans, not to mention Rafa Benitez, may not share Garcia's wish that the technology was in place on the famous European night. Instead, they'll be content with just how things panned out without it.
Watch FC Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid this Sunday December 3, with coverage starting from 7.30pm GMT on ITV4 and Viaplay Sports 1