Survey reveals strong opposition to VAR among Premier League matchgoing fans.
A survey conducted by the Football Supporters’ Association reveals that three-quarters of Premier League fans oppose the implementation of VAR.
Nearly 8,000 fans participated in the survey, with just over half attending more than 15 home matches each season, to gauge opinions on the technology.
The findings highlight its unpopularity, as over 97% of participants disagreed with the notion that VAR enhances the enjoyment of watching football, while more than 90% felt it has not improved the matchday experience.
When asked about their support for VAR in football, 75.71% indicated they do not support it, and over 70% disagreed that it has enhanced the overall accuracy of refereeing decisions.
The duration taken to make decisions continues to be a significant source of frustration.
Less than 3% of respondents believe decisions are made in a timely manner, and a vast majority do not feel that the process has become quicker despite attempts to expedite it.
More than 90% also believe that the technology has diminished the spontaneous excitement of goal celebrations.
This season’s introduction of in-game announcements to clarify VAR decisions has received support from over half of the fans, yet there remains dissatisfaction regarding the overall communication process.
A slight majority of those surveyed expressed support for using VAR to review red cards, but there is general opposition to its application for offsides, fouls, and handballs leading to goals.
The only technological application that enjoys strong support, according to the survey, is goal-line technology, which was favored by over 93% of respondents.
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Over 85% of fans surveyed expressed apprehension regarding a potential expansion of VAR, as the Premier League plans to consult clubs about its use for reviewing corner awards next season.
If approved, this change is unlikely to be welcomed by supporters, with the poll indicating that more than 70% oppose it.
A majority are also against utilizing VAR to assess second yellow cards, although a challenge system that would limit the number of interventions received slightly more support than opposition.
The results may benefit lower leagues, as more than 80% of respondents stated they prefer watching matches without VAR.
Thomas Concannon, the FSA’s Premier League network manager, stated: “These results reinforce the FSA’s earlier survey from 2021, where fans voiced concerns about the introduction of VAR.
“The overwhelming majority are expressing the same issues five years later – the loss of spontaneity in celebrating goals and a general decline in the matchday experience.
“We have shared the survey findings with the Premier League and Professional Game Match Officials Limited, and we look forward to discussing these results with them.”
A spokesperson for the Premier League acknowledged the need to minimize VAR’s impact on the supporter experience, adding: “VAR results in more accurate decisions.
“In recent seasons, there have been approximately 100 correct VAR overturns each seasonβsituations where goals would have been incorrectly awarded or disallowed, or red cards or penalties missed or wrongly issued.
“As part of ongoing discussions with supporters, Premier League research suggests that fans generally favor retaining VAR, but seek improvements in its application.”
