Keith Andrews says VAR stops referees from being human
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews criticises VAR for stripping referees of decision-making autonomy after his side's 2-1 win over Reading.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Brentford boss Keith Andrews argues that VAR prevents referees from making decisions.
- The Bees advanced to the Carabao Cup fourth round following a 2-1 victory against Reading.
- Andrews believes officials are no longer permitted to show human nature or make mistakes.
Keith Andrews, head coach of Premier League side Brentford, has stated his belief that the video assistant referee system is actively preventing match officials from making independent decisions during games.
The remarks came after his seventh-placed Premier League team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory away against League One club Reading to progress into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. Although VAR was not implemented at this stage of the EFL Cup, Andrews made it clear that he was dissatisfied with the overall officiating climate following a turbulent week for officials.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The Brentford manager noted that football simply needs to let referees officiate the matches naturally, allowing them to act as human beings who are permitted to make judgment calls and occasional errors. This follows intense public debate surrounding whether a goal should have been disallowed due to Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez being in an offside position and interfering with play by attempting a diving header prior to Erling Haaland's finish.
"We've gone away from allowing them to officiate and allowing them to make mistakes and I think it is a real shame."
Keith Andrews
Drawing from his own background as a professional player, Andrews recalled that there used to be a distinct relationship built on mutual respect and appropriate communication channels between players and officials on the pitch.
The criticism of VAR voiced by top-flight managers highlights an ongoing debate within modern football regarding the balance between technological precision and the natural flow of the game. While video reviews aim to eliminate definitive errors, critics argue that excessive reliance on automated rulings risks undermining the authority and nuanced decision-making capability of human referees on the field.
Readers can explore further updates, team analyses, and supporter insights regarding Brentford through leading sports coverage platforms.
Source: BBC Sport
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