The introduction of VAR technology has sparked controversy and confusion in the early stages of the 2018 World Cup, and it took centre stage once again during England’s last-gasp win over Tunisia last night.
Pundits and fans alike were baffled when the ‘Video Assistant Referee’ system didn’t pick up on two clear penalties as Harry Kane was dragged down in the box. They were especially aggrieved when Tunisia were awarded a soft penalty in the 35th minute.
Gary Neville turned to Twitter to declare that the tech isn’t fit for purpose, saying: “Either give the VAR refs more time and accept the delay OR the broadcasters have to be working with the VAR officials".
Neville added: "VAR going wrong isn't down to VAR officials. There are 2 of them in there wading through 26 angles and having to make a call in maybe 20 seconds!
'To give you an idea, TV companies will have 14 experienced people doing the same job to get replays inside 20 secs. It's an impossible ask!"
Gary Lineker was more succinct in his criticism, saying: “Come on VAR, this is a joke.”
Needless to say, they weren’t the only ones who piled in on the controversy:
