Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed his strong disapproval of the current implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in football matches, stating that he would vote against its continued usage if given the chance.
In an interview ahead of his departure from Anfield after a nine-year tenure, Klopp criticized the way VAR has been operated, citing numerous instances where he believes it has been mishandled.
Klopp emphasized that his issue is not with VAR itself, but rather with how it is being used, saying, “I don’t think they’re [the clubs] voting against VAR, I think they’ll vote about how it gets used, because that’s definitely not right.”
He further elaborated, “In the way they do it, I would vote against it, because these people are not able to use it properly.”
VAR was introduced in 2019 to assist on-field officials in making crucial decisions, but it has faced criticism for various controversial incidents, including Liverpool’s own experiences.
Klopp highlighted the disallowed goal by Luis Diaz against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this season as a significant example of VAR’s shortcomings.
Despite Klopp’s stance, it is believed that Liverpool’s overall position on VAR remains supportive, with the club seeing its potential benefits despite the occasional controversies.
As Klopp prepares for his final match at Anfield against Wolves, the debate around VAR continues to simmer within the football community.
Premier League clubs are scheduled to vote on VAR’s future at their upcoming annual general meeting, where Klopp’s outspoken critique may resonate among his peers.
The outcome of the vote on June 6 will determine whether VAR remains a fixture in Premier League matches starting from next season, with Klopp reiterating, “I do not think VAR is the problem, but the way we use it is the problem. So, you cannot change the people obviously, it’s clear. You need them. So yes, I would vote for scrapping VAR.”
