After a season when outrage levels among managers over VAR decisions have hit new highs, this past week has once again seen the beleaguered officials at Stockley Park taking flak on multiple fronts.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has led the way calling the decision to award Anthony Gordon's winner for Newcastle against the Gunners “embarrassing” and “a disgrace”, before doubling down on his comments a few days later.
Over at Wolves, manager Gary O'Neil was left incandescent after Sheffield United were awarded a penalty by VAR deep into injury time – after Fabio Silva's challenge on George Baldock – that was dispatched by Oliver Norwood to earn the Blades their first victory of the season. “The referee was so quick to want to give it, it's never a clear penalty,” said O'Neil. “He just needs to wait calmly and if he's made a big error then VAR will let him know.” Even mild-mannered Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou chipped in after his team's epic loss to Chelsea. “It’s just diminishing the authority of the referee” the Australian said of VAR. “You can’t tell me referees are in control of games.
They’re not.” At some point we might enjoy a weekend without VAR dominating discussions, but don't bank on it happening any time soon. "I feel sick.