MX23RW : Saturday, June 1 02:34:31| >> :600:117469426:117469426:

Study reveals two thirds of Premier League supporters feel VAR makes matches less enjoyable

Study reveals two thirds of Premier League supporters feel VAR makes matches less enjoyable
© Reuters
A YouGov survey also revealed 72 per cent of respondents want referees to use monitors more often.

Technology continues to prove unpopular with Premier League viewers after a new survey revealed that around two thirds of fans think the video assistant referee makes games less enjoyable.

VAR was rolled out in the English top flight last season but the system was criticised as a number of decisions were controversially overturned while there were sometimes lengthy delays before a conclusion was reached.

A YouGov poll of 895 frequent Premier League spectators found that around half believe VAR has improved the accuracy of refereeing decisions and only 25 per cent say it has worsened them.

VAR proved contentious last season (Michael Regan/NMC Pool/PA)
VAR proved contentious last season (Michael Regan/NMC Pool/PA)

But 63 per cent insist the game is less pleasurable to watch because of VAR, which has worked badly according to 51 per cent of those polled.

Both of those figures have fallen slightly from a similar survey conducted by YouGov in January, indicating fans might be slowly warming to VAR, as 71 per cent said they wanted to keep the system but change the way it is used.

Only 15 per cent of respondents said they wanted to stop using VAR entirely.

Three-quarters want a time limit on decisions, 86 per cent would like to be able to see what the VAR at Stockley Park is watching, while 72 per cent think on-field referees should be encouraged to consult pitchside screens.

Ahead of the 2020-21 campaign getting under way this weekend, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said on Wednesday increased use of pitchside monitors by referees may help ease supporters' VAR frustrations.

"I think we were going to make changes with regard to referee review areas in any event, it was going to become more prevalent next season," he said.

"Ultimately it is down to making quicker decisions, more consistent decisions and better decisions.

"Last year VAR did deliver an improvement in decision-making, the statistics showed that, but it was always going to have some bumps in the road because it was the first season.

"I think if you get those three things I talked about better and right then you'll see greater acceptance by fans. Hopefully it will be a more positive experience for fans watching in stadiums and via TV next year."

ID:413736: cacheID:413736:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4950:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Leeds United players celebrate winning promotion to the Premier League in July 2020
Read Next:
Premier League: Liverpool face tough examination by Leeds United
>
Read more about VAR Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!