- Data has revealed the net score for VAR decisions going against and for clubs
- Wolves have been the worst off with decisions against over the past five years
- Ederson not being substituted right after his collision was a SCANDAL – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
The stats that could provide Premier League clubs with a huge argument to scrap VAR have been revealed, with Wolves being the hardest hit team for decisions going against them over the past five seasons.
England’s top-flight sides are preparing to vote on whether to scrap VAR at an end of season AGM meeting in June, in what would prove to be a shocking moment for football.
Premier League clubs have invested heavily in new technology to improve VAR systems and improve their relationship with the still relatively new practice.
A new feature is set to make the job of officials in the VAR room at Stockley Park easier next season as semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) is introduced that will reduce the time of decisions being made.
However, if a majority of Premier League clubs decide to scrap VAR then SAOT would have to go as well, despite a deal already being in place with a system provider, as reported by ESPN.
The stats that could provide Premier League clubs with a huge argument to scrap VAR have been revealed
All 20 Premier League clubs are set to vote on whether to keep VAR in place at a meeting in June
Wolves have the worst net score (-17) for VAR decisions going against them over the past five seasons
Wolves are believed to be set to vote against keeping VAR in place and it’s easy to see why as the data behind decisions going for and against clubs proves.
Gary O’Neil has had his fair share of brushes with the PGMOL and Premier League this season over refereeing decisions.
It all started on the day of their season-opening defeat against Manchester United and the situation never really got much better from there for Wolves, with referee chief Howard Webb even having to issue apologies to the club.
Since VAR was introduced five seasons ago, the decision for and against Wolves give them a net score of -17 (15 decisions for, 32 against).
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta can feel similarly agreed with the second worst net average of -7.
The Gunners can win the Premier League title on Sunday – if West Ham do them a favour against Man City – and will be hoping it isn’t a potential VAR decisions that spells final day drama in their match against Everton.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neill (middle) has had numerous clashes with officials over decisions this season
VAR will certainly need to make wholesale improvements if it wants to continue enjoying a presence
Nottingham Forest have been extremely vocal against Premier League officiating this season and it would be no surprise to see them also vote against VAR remaining in place.
Meanwhile, Brighton have the highest net score for VAR interventions going in their favour, boasting a +6 tally, with Aston Villa and Liverpool next best off with joint +4 totals.
Manchester United share +3 scores with three other teams in the forms of derby rivals Man City, Everton, and Newcastle.
Whatever is decided in the following weeks, VAR will certainly need to make wholesale improvements if it wants to continue enjoying a presence.
