Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury admits he’s not a fan of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), but feels it’s time to move on from the controversial penalty in their 2-1 loss to France.
The VAR has become a big talking point at this World Cup as history was made in the Socceroos’ loss to France when the VAR intervened and adjudged Josh Risdon had fouled Antoine Griezmann in the box.
Fans and pundits have questioned the VAR on social media, believing there are grey areas in the system as it has failed to review certain incidents.
In Argentina’s 1-1 draw to Iceland, the VAR did not review Birkir Saevarsson’s challenge on Cristian Pavon in the box.
Sainsbury took to Twitter last year to express his feelings on the VAR and his views have not changed.
“I’ve never been a fan of the VAR, I’ve made that clear from day one,” Sainsbury said.
“I’m a purist when it comes to football but at the same time, if that’s the way it’s going to go from now on, then so be it. I can’t change it.
“I’m not the one sitting up in the box. You just need to roll with it I guess.”
Goal line technology = quick, decisive, does the job it’s described as doing.
— Trent Sainsbury (@Tsainsbury92) November 26, 2017
VAR = shambles, takes way too long, doesn’t feel like it belongs in football, decisions still aren’t 100% clear.
It either needs to go or needs an overhaul.
VAR...🤦🏻♂️
— Trent Sainsbury (@Tsainsbury92) November 26, 2017
How has VAR not seen that and he’s offside....🤦🏻♂️
— Trent Sainsbury (@Tsainsbury92) November 26, 2017
Clearly touched the ball in offside position which led to goal...VAR nowhere to be seen. I don’t know what’s going on anymore. 🤦🏻♂️😅👍�
— Trent Sainsbury (@Tsainsbury92) November 26, 2017
I believe touching the ball counts as interfering. 😐 https://t.co/L2VhUOTiHw
— Trent Sainsbury (@Tsainsbury92) November 26, 2017
VAR...commentators and viewers can see it’s a red card 2 minutes before ref even gets a shout in his ear...speed it up and nobody has a problem then.
— Trent Sainsbury (@Tsainsbury92) November 26, 2017
Despite being against the VAR, he found some sympathy for the officials.
“Football can be a game of seconds or millimetres and referees have got the hardest job in the world,” he said.
“I’m not really against giving them a bit of help, but when decisions go for you, you’re happy and when decisions go against you, you’re unhappy. It is what it is and we move on.”
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