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Majority of Premier League supporters reject VAR
Nearly 8,000 fans surveyed by the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) have voiced strong opposition to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, with 75% calling for its removal from the Premier League.
Fan experience deteriorates under VAR
The survey, which included supporters from all 20 top-flight clubs, found that 90% believe VAR has worsened the matchday experience. An even higher proportion-91%-stated that the technology has drained the spontaneity from goal celebrations, a cornerstone of football culture.
Television viewers are equally dissatisfied, with 94% saying VAR makes watching games less enjoyable. Thomas Concannon, the FSA's Premier League network manager, told BBC Sport: "The results clearly show fans want VAR scrapped. We've seen its negative impact on the game-delays, questionable accuracy, and lost spontaneity. It's eroding what makes football special."
Accuracy and transparency concerns persist
Despite its intended purpose, VAR has failed to convince fans of its effectiveness. A striking 72% disagree that the system has improved refereeing accuracy, while 74% feel the reasoning behind VAR decisions remains unclear. Concannon added: "We now debate refereeing more than ever, even with a tool meant to eliminate errors. Fans struggle to accept goals being disallowed for marginal offside calls, especially when the process is slow and contentious."
Fans also expressed unease about VAR's expanding role. A significant 86% oppose further increases in its remit, while 72% reject its use for checking corner decisions and 52% oppose its application for second yellow cards-both set to be introduced at this summer's World Cup.
Premier League defends VAR amid fan backlash
In response to the survey, the Premier League acknowledged fan frustrations but stood by the system. A league statement said: "We recognise VAR's impact on the supporter experience and are committed to improving its implementation. Our research shows fans generally support retaining VAR, provided it becomes less intrusive."
The league highlighted that VAR has led to around 100 correct overturns per season, preventing incorrect goals, red cards, and penalties. It also noted a 25% reduction in VAR-related delays over the past two seasons, with an estimated 96-97% accuracy rate for refereeing decisions since its introduction.
However, the FSA dismissed these claims, arguing that fan sentiment should take precedence. Concannon said: "Fans are the lifeblood of the game, yet their concerns are often ignored. The enjoyment of football has diminished compared to the pre-VAR era. These results should not be dismissed."
Goalline technology wins fan approval
While VAR faces widespread criticism, 93% of fans support goalline technology, which they view as a less intrusive and more effective tool for ensuring fairness.
VAR's future in the Premier League
Despite the backlash, VAR's removal remains unlikely. In 2024, 19 of the 20 top-flight clubs voted to retain the system, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers opposing it. For VAR to be abolished, 14 clubs would need to vote against it following a formal proposal.
The debate intensified after an FA Cup match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United-played without VAR-featured three significant refereeing errors, leading some to label it the strongest argument yet for the technology's necessity.
The Premier League maintains that VAR delivers more correct decisions, citing its high threshold for intervention compared to other European leagues. However, fans continue to question whether the trade-off-lost spontaneity, delays, and lingering controversy-is worth the perceived benefits.
