A few millimeters accuracy…do we really need to be that perfect?! The whole point of VAR was to help referees but it just seems to be creating more controversies than clarity. Also looks like fans are less forgiving of technology driven decisions than those due to human error.
I guess it is easier to bash humans for wrong calls and forget about it the next day after venting out in your circles. But with technology, people are questioning the process, the system and the need of perfection at the cost of losing out on the spontaneity and fun of the game.
During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a total of 335 incidents were checked by the VAR in the group stage, averaging 7 per match. Only 14 calls made by referees were changed or overruled after being reviewed by the VAR. Only 4% of VAR reviews were overruled!
DRS reviews have been successful in cricket as well as the reviews in tennis. In cricket, the teams have one incorrect review per innings (two in Test matches). If the team waste it, it’s gone, so players are extremely careful only to challenge an umpire if they are certain he is wrong. In tennis, players are allowed 3 incorrect challenges per set.
I think a similar limitation can be implemented in football. The onus for VAR calls can be shifted to teams. A restriction on number of VAR review can be put in place, say 2 VAR per game per team, may possibly improve the effectiveness of VAR and minimize the disruption to the game. Just my 2 cents to this constant ongoing debate surrounding VAR…