Football, VAR and Controversy: The Stage is Set
The ultracompetitive sphere of football is no stranger to controversy – particularly when a contentious judgement from Video Assistant Referee (VAR) comes to the fore. This was recently epitomized in an incident involving Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, a key figure embodying the crossroads of technology, sport and human discretion.
The 4th of November 2021 wasn’t a day to remember for Arsenal as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United at St James’ Park. The bone of contention was a scored goal by Anthony Gordon, surrounded by a cloud of doubt. VAR, the modern-day knight in shining armour for football, stepped in to adjudicate. It meticulously assessed three pivotal parameters: Was the ball out of bounds before the cross by Joe Willock? Was Arsenal’s defender Gabriel subjected to a foul by Joelinton? And was Gordon in an offside position during his crucial move?
In a turn of events that shook the global football fraternity, the VAR verdict sided with Newcastle on all matters. The decision faced scrutiny from both critics and fans alike, especially given the compelling evidence suggesting the ball had gone out of the field of play and the blatant push inflicted on Gabriel by Joelinton.
Arteta’s Outburst, the FA’s Response and Arsenal’s Solidarity
Arteta, the zealous commander of Arsenal’s brigade, didn’t take this setback lightly. The Spanish manager, noted for his candid outspokenness, let loose a tirade that has since become the talk of the town. His forceful and stinging words were a scathing critique of the VAR’s decision. “It’s an absolute disgrace,” he declared, labeling the judgement as ’embarrassing’.
Arteta’s bitter reproach brought about a significant repercussion – the Football Association (FA) slapped him with a charge for violation of FA Rule E3.1. This rule, designed to maintain a level of decorum in the sport, regards his comments as potentially ‘disrespectful towards match officials’, ‘detrimental to the game’, or those that ‘bring the game into disrepute’.
However, Arsenal stood like a rock behind their manager. They released a statement voicing their unwavering support for the Spaniard and highlighted the necessity for superior officiating standards. In their view, the Premier League, lauded as the world’s finest, deserved nothing less.
The Intersection of Technology and Sport: A Dialogue Ignited
This episode illuminates the friction between the growth of technology in sports and the human judgement it endeavors to enhance. Video technology was envisioned to abolish ambiguity and guarantee fair results. However, as demonstrated in the Arteta episode, it seems to have stirred up the water, sparking debates concerning its effectiveness.
While Arteta’s outburst was penalized by the FA, it has also served as a springboard for discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of technology in football. The frustration expressed by Arteta resonates with many who have been at the sharp end of contentious VAR decisions. And although some regard his comments as insolent, they have fuelled a conversation that could potentially shape the future of football officiating.
In this emotionally charged tale, Arteta emerges not merely as a fervent manager defending his squad, but also as an outspoken critic campaigning for a more equal and less controversial game. His impassioned words, charged with the heat of the moment, have transcended the immediate context of the match to ignite wider dialogues about the role of technology in sports and the need for transparency and consistency in officiating.
As this narrative of indignation, controversy and football unfolds, it acts as a stark reminder of the intricate complexities embedded in contemporary sport. It underscores the need for a delicate equilibrium between dependence on technology and the inherent human aspects of the game. Moreover, it accentuates the demand for clarity, consistency, and fairness in officiating.
