Sheffield United-supporting MP brands VAR a 'stain on the game'

Labour's Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) bemoaned the introduction of VAR in the Premier League and the impact it is having on fans' enjoyment of games.

He opened by noting there are more pressing matters given the coronavirus outbreak, with his debate on VAR and its effect on football attendances allocated before the virus escalated in the UK.

The Sheffield United supporter said he was making the case for the "abolition" of VAR while also suggesting steps to try and improve it if it remains in the Premier League and is adopted by others.

Mr Perkins said: "When VAR was introduced, we were promised it was there to overturn clear and obvious errors but it's become a farce - for a toenail offside, 30 seconds before a goal was scored and after a three-minute delay Sheffield United's goal at Tottenham was ruled offside.

"Arsenal scored a goal at Old Trafford that was uncontested by the Manchester United defenders because the lineman's flag had gone up several seconds before the goal was scored.

"West Ham fans celebrated their last-minute equaliser at Bramall Lane for fully 45 seconds before there was even a suggestion it might be called into question."

Mr Perkins joked that final decision did bring him a "momentary pleasure", adding: "But even as we celebrated this goal being disallowed there was a part of me mourning what we had all lost."

He went on: "I can guarantee you that if VAR - this dreadful stain on the beautiful game - continues long into the future, they will look back in 20 years and they will laugh at the technology we currently rely on to suggest we understand whether or not someone was offside."

His suggestions to deal with VAR included a review of the offside law, fans being able to see the pictures being viewed by the referee, and for only clear and obvious errors to be overturned.