Stevenage manager Steve Evans has called for the EFL to adopt VAR after having a goal controversially chalked off in yesterday’s 3-0 defeat against Blackpool.
The League One promotion contenders were trailing by a goal heading into half time when striker Jamie Reid nodded the ball past goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw, only for the linesman to belatedly raise his flag for offside. Replays showed the decision was the incorrect one and it would have ensured that Boro went in level at the break.
The Tangerines went on to win the game 3-0, a result that saw the visitors miss the chance to move into the top three. Afterwards, Evans revealed that he had received an apology. Speaking after the game, via the club’s official website, the 60-year-old said;
“It looked clearly onside. The assistant referee flagged terribly late, so the entire team was celebrating.
“The video replay clearly shows it onside, and once again, we are on the wrong end of a really poor decision, just like away at Bolton last week.
“The Head of Referees at the EFL has already looked at the video footage, and first thing this morning, he rang me to apologise refutably.”
Continuing, the former Leeds United boss called on the EFL to adopt VAR as soon as possible to make up for the poor officiating in the lower divisions;
“We seem to be on the wrong end of these big decisions this season. I struggle to find a coincidence.
“The EFL needs VAR at the earliest opportunity as the officiating is not at the level it needs to be.
“I read last week that Emma Hayes at Chelsea FC Women called for VAR in the Women’s Super League, and I completely support her case. It is frustrating to work all week and consistently watch very poor decisions like yesterday have such an impact.”
Despite a good start to the season, Stevenage have now lost three of their last four fixtures in League One and will be looking to get their season back on track when they host Port Vale next weekend.
Writer’s View
In an ideal world, VAR would be available across the EFL, but the logistics of that make it more difficult. Most Championship stadiums will be equipped for that, but it would be more difficult in stadiums across League One and Two, plus the extra officials that would be needed throughout the weekend.
With that said, Steve Evans has every right to be furious with yesterday’s decision and who knows how that goal on the stroke of half time would have changed the game.
