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In the recent weeks especially, VAR has caused a series of chaos in the Premier League. The chaos has resulted in clubs missing out on points and the Premier League table changing. However, Alfie Haaland, the father of Erling Haland has defended the use of VAR technology in the Premier League.

The opinion of Alfie Haaland will probably cause a lot of debate on social media. Because a large number of soccer fans have a strong opinion against the efficient use of the technology this season.

Erling Haaland’s father defends the use of VAR

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The use of VAR has created several controversies this season in almost every Premier League match. This has led to soccer fans getting frustrated because of the wrong decision. It has also resulted in the Professional Game Match Officials Limited ( PGMOL) chief  Howard Webb having to send apologies to the clubs that have suffered because of VAR. However, in this all negativity, VAR technology has found a supporter. Alfie Haaland, the father of Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland has defended the use of VAR.

A journalist had criticized the use of VAR by saying it was to give maximum benefit and minimal interference. However, he pointed out that vice-versa is happening. But, Alfie Haaland in support of technology said, “Are you kidding now? The game is going too fast for the referees. Need Help.” He further said, “I believe that so much happens so quickly that for me it is perfectly fine that they get help in crucial situations. A completely natural development of football. Plus you get rid of a lot of nonsense. 

The point made by Alfie Haaland does make a lot of sense. However, certain decisions take a lot of time to happen, and then also VAR makes the wrong decision. This has also led to his son Erling Haaland’s side Manchester City getting lucky with their goal in their win against Fulham.

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Manchester City also had a goal allowed because of VAR against Fulham

Erling Haaland scored a hat trick in the 5-1 win against Fulham on 2nd September 2023. However, the three goals of the Norwegian striker were not the highlight of the match. It is because, in the added time of the first half, Manuel Akanji’s header was diverted by Nathan Ake into the back of the net. Despite, Ake blocking the view of Fulham’s goalkeeper Leno, VAR refused to overrule the decision, and a goal was given. PGMOL chief Howard Webb also confirmed that the referees did make an error.

Erling Haaland also confirmed after winning the Man of the Match award that the goal should not have stood. He further said to beIN SPORTS “It was offside”.”I feel bad for them — I would be fuming after this as well. It must be a horrible feeling.” Several soccer fans also felt that it would have been a different game had the VAR took the right decision and disallowed the goal.

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There are multiple instances where VAR has got it wrong. Hence, soccer fans and former players have also said on social media that they should scrap VAR. Whereas, there are people who feel it will improve in the next few seasons. So the question would you keep VAR or scrap the VAR? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.