The role of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) continues to be a point of contention within the soccer world, sparking debate over its impact on the flow and fairness of the game. following a recent Eredivisie match featuring PSV and Heracles,former Dutch international goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus has publicly questioned the current implementation of VAR,arguing it’s straying from its original purpose of correcting clear and obvious errors. Waterreus outlined his concerns in a new column, focusing on controversial handball decisions and calling for a system with less frequent intervention and review by former players.
Former goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus believes soccer would be significantly more enjoyable with reduced intervention from Video Assistant Referees (VAR). Waterreus, a veteran of the game, voiced his concerns following a recent Dutch league match and detailed his thoughts in a new column.
Waterreus focused on two penalty decisions awarded during the match – one for PSV and one for Heracles – both stemming from handball calls. “I want to discuss two of the three penalties awarded during that match. Both were given for perceived handballs,” he wrote.
During the game, Waterreus served as an analyst alongside Marciano Vink and Kees Kwakman. “All three of us reached the conclusion that nearly every soccer player or former player would have: that these accidental handballs should never result in a penalty,” said Waterreus, who also played for Oranje, the Dutch national team.
VAR was implemented to correct “clear and obvious errors,” but Waterreus argues the system has deviated from its original intent. “It seems the individuals reviewing footage are often looking for issues rather than correcting blatant mistakes. VAR has overstepped its bounds, becoming a hindrance instead of a help.”
Despite his criticisms, Waterreus remains a proponent of VAR, albeit with modifications. “I still support VAR, but not in its current capacity. Let’s move towards a system where VAR intervention is less frequent and the review team consists of former professional players,” he concluded.
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