Premier League make statement after clear 'VAR removal' verdict is given

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The Premier League have responded to a survey showing that the majority of fans are against the use of VAR (video assistant referee). The technology was introduced in 2019 and has been a big talking point for fans and pundits since.

In a survey of just under 8,000 fans by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), it was found that 75 per cent do not support the use of VAR . 90 per cent also disagreed that its introduction has improved the matchday experience.

In response, the Premier League have pointed to their own survey results and statistics showing the positive impact that VAR has had on the game. In a statement, they said: "We recognise the importance of minimising the impact of VAR on the supporter experience.

"As part of ongoing dialogue with supporters, Premier League research indicates fans are largely in favour of keeping VAR, but improving the way it is used." They added: "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.

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"The league applies a high threshold for VAR intervention, with the referee's call taking precedence. As a result, VAR is less intrusive in the Premier League than in other European leagues, including the Champions League , where VAR intervenes almost twice as often."

Since its introduction, VAR has undergone a few tweaks, including the introduction of semi-automated offside. This season has also seen referees announce their decision over the in-stadium speaker system.

Despite those changes, the fans surveyed still show their dislike of the system. Speaking to BBC Sport , the FSA’s Premier League network manager Thomas Concannon said: "The results show that most fans want VAR removed.

"We've all lived with VAR for so long now that we've seen the negative impact it's had on the game. People are annoyed about the time that it takes, annoyed about the accuracy, and annoyed about the [impact on] spontaneity.

“It does take away from what football is meant to be and what those special moments are about." It was recently reported that refereeing errors on the pitch and through VAR have risen across most categories in this season's Premier League.