Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has publicly criticized the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in football, expressing a preference for its removal in favor of returning to “pure football.” His comments come in the wake of a controversial red card issued to Celtic’s Daizen Maeda during a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on November 10, 2023.
In that match, Maeda was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Mario Hermoso. However, after a VAR review, the referee upgraded the sanction to a red card, a decision Rodgers felt was unjust and detrimental to the game’s flow. He expressed empathy for the fans, stating that such decisions “absolutely spoil the game.” Rodgers elaborated on his concerns, noting that the frequent interruptions for VAR reviews make the game feel more like a “computer game,” detracting from the traditional football experience.
Rodgers also highlighted feedback from individuals in England’s Championship, where VAR is not utilized, who reportedly appreciate the game’s fluency without technological interventions, even if it means accepting occasional human errors. He acknowledged that while VAR has its merits, the negative aspects are significant enough to warrant reconsideration of its use. Given the choice, Rodgers stated he would “get rid of it” and revert to accepting human mistakes over the current system.
It’s important to note that while Rodgers has voiced his desire to eliminate VAR, there has been no official confirmation or implementation of a policy to dismiss VAR from football matches. His statements reflect his personal opinion on the matter rather than an enacted change in policy.
