The absence of VAR during the Hatters’ FA Cup third-round rematch against Bolton Wanderers later this month baffled Luton manager Rob Edwards.
The technology was present at Kenilworth Road yesterday, but it didn’t help Town get the outcome they were hoping for when, in the closing minutes, Trotters defender Will Forrester brought down Alfie Doughty inside the area. The Stockley Park officials decided that the incident wasn’t a foul because the score remained goalless, a call Edwards felt was “a mistake.” Now, because it can only be used at Premier League stadiums due to licensing restrictions, it won’t be available to the appointed referee when the two teams play it all over again in about ten days at the Toughsheet Stadium.
When questioned about it during his press conference following the game, Edwards responded, “It is strange and I don’t know what to say on that.” The fact that it’s here today might merely make the actual game between the two teams more equitable, but other teams will undoubtedly suffer from its absence, which I think is quite odd.
Although VAR is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, Trotters manager Ian Evatt—a former Blackpool teammate of Edwards’—went a step further and suggested that it be used in all four divisions of English football. “I’d like to see it applied consistently,” he continued. Whether we all have it or not, there should be some uniformity because the Premier League isn’t more significant than the Championship, League One, or League Two.
For example, the key decision in the first game was made by a VAR; this will not be shown on the video. What would happen in the replay if Rob begs for VAR and we are awarded a penalty that wasn’t awarded? Thus, there needs to be a certain degree of uniformity when it comes to everyone. I have been banging on the drum for ages, so I could go on a major rant about this. If you’re utilizing it in a competition, it needs to be consistent throughout all levels and in every competition.
