Has Virtual Assistant Refereeing gone too far? Yes. VAR was introduced into the Barclays Premier League on the 1st of June, in the 2019/20 season. In this, introductory season, over 2,400 incidents were reviewed with 109 decisions being overturned by VAR.

Currently, in the ongoing 22/23 season, VAR, has carried out a ridiculous, 71 and counting overturning's. 21 of which allowed goals and 29 which saw goals be disallowed.

VAR has been brought in for a fair and futuristic purpose. It is what it says on the tin. A virtual assistant referee, aiding situations that may not be so clear cut for the on-pitch referee, and intervening when necessary. 

Regrettably, on multiple occasions, VAR has made simply stupid and scandalous decisions which have infuriated football fans, footballers and football managers across the country. A recent nefarious and notable VAR decision was on the 11th February. Arsenal vs Brentford which ended one all. Ivan Toney's equaliser for Brentford was 'checked' by VAR for possible offside, however the VAR made a fatal error. They forgot to place the line to properly check for offside. It is understood that human error was at fault here, but an apology isn't enough. In the context of this example, two points dropped could result in Arsenal losing out on Premier League glory.

Head of VAR, Neil Swarbrick, is set to retire at the end of this Premier League campaign. Along with him in quitting VAR is Lee Mason who left VAR via mutual consent after criticisms over controversial decisions.

Resignation after resignation only reflects the tragic tale of the computerised assistant referee we call VAR.