Premier League fans oppose VAR as FSA survey reveals overwhelming rejection
Three-quarters of Premier League fans oppose the use of the Video Assistant Referee and believe it is ruining goal celebrations, according to a comprehensive new survey by the Football Supporters’ Association.
Just under 8,000 supporters from the top flight’s 20 clubs responded to the consultation regarding the divisive officiating technology.
The published results present a damning verdict on the system, with 90% of respondents disagreeing that its introduction has improved the matchday experience.
Furthermore, a staggering 91% feel the review process has irreparably harmed the spontaneous joy of celebrating a goal.
The negative sentiment extends far beyond the stadiums, as 94% reject the notion that the technology makes watching televised matches more enjoyable.
Fans demand removal of controversial technology
Thomas Concannon, the FSA’s network manager for the English top tier, told BBC Sport that the data clearly demonstrates a desire for complete abolition.
“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 reduced spontaneity.”
“It does take away from what football is meant to be and what those special moments are about.”
Premier League defends system amid growing errors
The English game’s governing body responded to the findings by emphasising its commitment to minimising disruptions to the match-going crowd.
“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,” a league statement read.
Recent data contradicts this optimistic outlook, however, revealing that refereeing and review errors are actually increasing across the division.
The technology is also set to expand its remit at the upcoming global tournament to check corner kicks and second yellow cards, a move strongly opposed by 72% and 52% of surveyed fans respectively.
Deep-rooted concerns over accuracy and communication
The FSA’s consultation, which primarily polled regular matchgoers attending at least 15 games a season, highlighted systemic mistrust among die-hard supporters.
Other significant findings from the extensive supporter consultation include:
- 72% of fans disagree that the review system has made refereeing more accurate.
- 74% believe the reasoning behind specific decisions remains entirely unclear.
- 86% are actively worried about the expansion of the video assistant’s remit in the future.
Concannon highlighted that the intense financial stakes in modern football drive the pursuit of perfection, but it leaves supporters frustrated over marginal offside calls.
Attempts to improve transparency, such as referees announcing decisions over in-stadium speakers, have also failed to win over the vast majority of match-going crowds.
