Sports

VAR chief Neil Swarbrick marks new system as 'seven out of 10' despite criticism


VAR is where we expected it to be – Swarbrick

The use of video assistant referees (VAR) in Premier League games has been given a mark of seven out of 10 by the man in charge despite strong criticism.

Neil Swarbrick says VAR will evolve and asked for fans to be patient after another weekend of controversy.

Sheffield United had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside at Spurs while Manchester City saw two penalty appeals for handball turned down at Liverpool.

“I’m really pleased, honestly, with how we have started out,” said Swarbrick.

VAR was introduced in the Premier League this season after trials in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but it has angered fans who cite inconsistencies in decision-making and say the time it takes for rulings to be made kills the passion and excitement of games.

Former Manchester City and England winger Trevor Sinclair