The debate around the potential evolution of VAR and the use of technology in professional football continues to spark interest and controversy. Former referee Paolo Casarin has been raising concern about the diminishing role of match officials, even predicting their eventual replacement by VAR. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Casarin emphasised that the interpretation of the game cannot come only from the use of technology, saying: “Everything that is punishable must be seen. Nothing must be left unpunished. But without offending anyone, it’s not the TV that teaches you to referee. It’s the pitch. It is only there that one grows.”
The most recent controversy pertains to the lack of consistency in referees’ decisions. This comes in light of Luca Massimi’s decision not to send off Frosinone player Oyono mid-way in a match against Torino, even though other referees might have given him a second yellow card. The decision was largely criticised as the first yellow card was shown just two minutes earlier.
Casarin offered some insights on the matter saying: “Do you know what the first yellow card means? An ‘avertissement’ in French, a warning, something much more serious than one might think. The referee tells the player that he trusts him, that he will not be lenient next time and therefore must maintain fair and appropriate conduct in the game. It’s no surprise that many coaches remove their cautioned players as they are aware of the risk of being weakened following the first warning, in addition to the risk of being left with ten players.”
Various viewpoints on the future use of VAR have emerged from this debate. Some argue the use of VAR should extend beyond straight red card offences to include situations involving second yellow cards. If the trend continues this way, the most important referee could eventually be the one observing the game from the video monitor. Despite the ongoing controversies, the role of technology in football continues to evolve and looks set to impact the future norms of the game.