Karren Brady has revealed that no decision has been made behind the scenes at West Ham about the vote to scrap VAR. In her column in the Sun on 17 May, the Hammers vice president labelled the system a “disaster” as it has spoilt the experience for match-going fans.
For any vote to be passed, it would require a two-thirds majority which means 14 clubs would have to vote in favour of scrapping VAR on 6 June.
Brady said: “You don’t need a PhD in human behaviour, or even more baffling, the handball laws, to realise VAR has not been a universal success.
“It was supposed to iron out the mistakes, make the game fairer for all and improve the overall experience for fans. To put it plainly, it has done none of that.
“At West Ham, any decision on which way to vote has not yet been decided but in many ways VAR has been a disaster, especially for the lifeblood of the game, the supporters.
“Supporters pay good money to be entertained and sitting there waiting for interminable minutes for a decision from Stockley Park has been driving many bonkers.”
West Ham must seek clarity on reforms before casting VAR vote
VAR has undoubtedly sparked debate and controversy since its introduction, but the system has the potential to be reformed rather than abolished and the Hammers must have talks with the PGMOL before deciding on their vote.
The technology was implemented to minimise refereeing errors and enhance the fairness of the game.
However, its current implementation has led to excessive delays, confusion among fans and a perceived loss of the game’s spontaneity.
Reforming VAR could involve limiting its use to clear and obvious errors, such as offsides and absolute howlers that referees might miss.
This would maintain the integrity of the game by ensuring that the most blatant mistakes are corrected, while not interfering with the flow of the game or the excitement of the fans.
London Stadium – the home of West Ham
Additionally, the communication between the VAR officials and the on-field referee could be improved to ensure decisions are made more efficiently and transparently and fans must constantly be kept in the loop.
In other West Ham news, the wife of a Hammers player has potentially stirred up a controversy with her recent comments on social media accusing the club of bias.
