Premier League Official Bobby Madley Criticizes VAR Impact on Football

Bobby Madley, a referee and fourth official in English football, has openly expressed his strong dislike for VAR, criticizing it for removing the emotion from the game and disrupting the natural flow of football. He appreciates lower league football where goals are celebrated immediately without delays, contrasting this with the Premier League where VAR reviews can take what feels like an eternity, dampening fan experience. Madley argues the technology was imposed by wealthy football executives to minimize referee errors, despite players, referees, and fans not wanting it. He lamented that iconic moments like Sergio Aguero's stoppage-time title-winning goal could never happen again due to VAR's cautious checks. Madley also highlighted how VAR has changed referees' psychology, forcing them to process potential mistakes publicly in real time, increasing pressure and scrutiny. He concluded that while football has become highly business-driven with significant financial stakes, the sport risks losing its passion and spontaneity because of VAR's influence.