Premier League Fans Overwhelmingly Reject VAR, Survey Reveals
A significant new survey conducted by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has laid bare the deep dissatisfaction among Premier League fans regarding the implementation of Video Assistant Referees (VAR). The findings indicate a resounding rejection of the technology, with a staggering three-quarters of supporters expressing their opposition.
The comprehensive poll saw participation from nearly 8,000 fans, a substantial portion of whom are regular attendees, with over half attending more than 15 home games each season. This robust sample size underscores the validity of the results, painting a clear picture of fan sentiment.
Key Findings from the Survey:
- Overwhelming Disagreement on Enjoyment and Experience: More than 97 per cent of respondents disagreed with the statement that VAR makes watching football more enjoyable. Similarly, over 90 per cent felt that the matchgoing experience has not been improved by the technology.
- Strong Opposition to VAR’s Use: When directly asked if they support the use of VAR in football, a substantial 75.71 per cent of fans declared their opposition. Furthermore, more than 70 per cent believe VAR has not enhanced the overall accuracy of refereeing decisions.
Frustration Over Decision Times and Celebrations:
A persistent source of fan frustration is the considerable time taken to reach VAR decisions. Fewer than three per cent of those surveyed agreed that decisions are made in a reasonable timeframe. Despite efforts to streamline the process, an overwhelming majority feel that decisions are not being made any quicker.
The impact on the emotional aspect of the game is also a major concern. More than 90 per cent of fans believe that VAR has significantly diminished the spontaneous joy experienced during goal celebrations. While the introduction of in-game announcements to explain VAR decisions has garnered support from over half of the fans, there remains considerable dissatisfaction with the overall communication surrounding the technology.
Specific VAR Applications Under Scrutiny:
The survey also delved into specific applications of VAR:
- Red Cards: A slim majority of fans polled indicated support for using VAR to review red card decisions.
- Offsides, Fouls, and Handballs: Conversely, there is widespread opposition to VAR’s use for reviewing offsides, fouls, and handballs that occur in the build-up to goals.
- Goal-Line Technology: In stark contrast to other VAR applications, goal-line technology received strong backing, with over 93 per cent of respondents supporting its use.
Concerns About Future Expansion:
Fans have expressed significant apprehension about the potential expansion of VAR. More than 85 per cent of surveyed supporters voiced concerns about the Premier League’s consideration of using VAR to review the award of corners in the upcoming season. The poll indicates that over 70 per cent of fans would oppose this move if it were to be implemented.
Additionally, a majority of fans are against using VAR to scrutinise second yellow cards. While a challenge system, which would limit the number of VAR interventions, received marginal support from slightly more fans than opposed it, the overall sentiment leans towards caution and a desire for fewer technological disruptions.
Positive Outlook for Lower Leagues:
The survey results could offer a significant boost to the lower leagues, with more than 80 per cent of respondents stating a preference for watching games without VAR. This suggests a potential appetite for a return to traditional football experiences in leagues where VAR is not currently in use.
FSA’s Stance and Future Discussions:
Thomas Concannon, the FSA’s Premier League network manager, highlighted that these findings corroborate previous surveys from 2021, where fans already expressed reservations about VAR. “The vast majority are reporting the same concerns five years on – the loss of spontaneity when celebrating goals, and an overall worsening of the match-going experience,” Concannon stated. The FSA has shared these results with the Premier League and Professional Game Match Officials Limited and is keen to discuss the findings further.
Premier League’s Perspective:
A spokesperson for the Premier League acknowledged the importance of minimising VAR’s impact on the supporter experience. They stated, “VAR delivers more correct decisions. In recent seasons, there have been around 100 correct VAR overturns per season – instances where goals would otherwise have been incorrectly awarded or disallowed, or red cards or penalties missed or wrongly given.” The league also indicated that their own research suggests fans are largely in favour of keeping VAR, provided its application is improved.
