Football fans criticized the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system as “embarrassing” after the newly introduced semi-automated offside technology malfunctioned during the FA Cup game between Bournemouth and Wolves.
This system, designed to enhance the speed and accuracy of offside decisions using numerous high-speed cameras tracking player data, experienced a significant failure.
During its first weekend of use in English football, the new technology failed at a crucial moment when Bournemouth scored.
Bournemouth managed to get the ball into the goal from a corner kick, possibly through a touch by Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez.
Replays suggested a potential handball and an offside situation.
However, confusion ensued as fans and players had to wait an extensive eight minutes for the goal to be reviewed and a decision to be made.
After initially checking for handball, it was discovered that the semi-automated offside system was not functioning correctly.
Consequently, VAR officials at Stockley Park had to resort to the traditional method of manually drawing lines, which further prolonged the delay.
As frustration mounted, referee Sam Barrott brought captains Nelson Semedo and Lewis Cook to the side of the pitch to confer with both team managers.
Barrott then used his microphone to announce to the crowd at Vitality Stadium that Bournemouth’s potential second goal was disallowed due to Kerkez being offside.
Disgruntled Bournemouth and Wolves supporters chanted, “It’s not football anymore,” and “This is embarrassing.”
Many fans also expressed their anger on social media, with one commenting, “Absolute mess of a system.”
Another added, “That VAR at the Bournemouth game was utterly embarrassing.”
Further criticisms included: “PGMOL are disgraceful,” and “The standard of officiating is dropping every week.”
Premier League authorities intend to implement the semi-automated offside technology across the league for the rest of the season, following its trial in this FA Cup weekend.
This system, developed by Genius Sports, aims to reduce the average VAR decision time to just 30 seconds.
Bournemouth ultimately won the match in a penalty shootout after Matheus Cunha from Wolves received a red card.
