Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville clashed over VAR on Monday night in an enthralling live TV debate after Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins had a late goal disallowed against West Ham. After a wait of over two minutes, Watkins was adjudged to be beyond the last West Ham defender when he turned the ball into the net. Replays showed the former Brentford star was only an inch or two in an offside position.
Neville and Carragher were embroiled in a strong confrontation on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football after the match.
Manchester United legend Neville still wants VAR to be used but says some of the laws have to be changed to appease fans.
“I was for VAR and I’m still for it,” Neville said.
“I’m against a couple of the rule changes. I don’t think the offside rule is clear enough. The new handball rule, which, to be fair we’ve all been against, has created more problems for the game.
“I think that with offside, do we want accurate decisions? Yes. Footballers and coaches, for 25, 30, 40 years have complained about referees and a lack of accuracy.
“These referees are not good enough, they can’t keep up with the game. So, we brought VAR in for the correct reasons because the game is so quick, and we want accuracy with so much at stake.
“What I would say is it does need refining and it does need to be improved.
“The biggest problem I have with it at the moment, and I am against the grain, is the fans hate it. I have a problem with it because ultimately the game should be about enjoyment for the fans.
“I am for it, but I’m aware the fans hate it, and that is my concern. I want accuracy. I played football at the top and I whinged for years about referees, so I want accuracy.”
Carragher hit back at Neville and the pair argued about what is and what isn’t offside, bringing up moments from earlier in the season.
Liverpool hero Carragher ultimately agreed that the use of VAR needs to be clearer to ensure fans continue to enjoy football.
“It’s frustrating football fans seeing goals like that ruled out on such fine margins,” Carragher said.
