Eddie Howe Criticizes Referees’ Heavy VAR Dependence in Newcastle’s Aston Villa Victory

Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, expressed significant concerns regarding the reliance on VAR after his team’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Aston Villa. Howe noted numerous officiating errors during the match, particularly in light of VAR’s absence.

Eddie Howe Criticizes Referees’ Heavy VAR Dependence

VAR technology will not be implemented until later rounds of the competition. Referee Chris Kavanagh’s performance came under scrutiny as he seemingly missed at least three key decisions that could have impacted the outcome. This blunder occurred at Villa Park, where the home team played with ten men.

Key Match Events

• Tammy Abraham’s Goal: The opening goal by Villa was clearly offside, yet it was allowed to stand.
• Lucas Digne’s Tackle: Kavanagh failed to issue a red card for a dangerous shin-high tackle on Jacob Murphy.
• Handball Controversy: A significant decision involved Digne’s handball, ruled incorrectly to be outside the penalty area.
• Marco Bizot’s Red Card: The Villa goalkeeper was sent off for a foul on Murphy, providing Newcastle with a numerical advantage.
• Sandro Tonali’s Goals: Tonali scored twice after the red card, solidifying Newcastle’s win.
• Nick Woltemade’s Contribution: Woltemade added to the scoreline with a late goal.

Howe’s Reflections on Refereeing

Howe articulated that VAR may have allowed referees to avoid critical decision-making challenges. He reflected on the emotional aspects of scoring when VAR is not in play, expressing a mixed sentiment towards the technology.

“I think there’s an argument to say that, because when VAR is there, you might not be as decisive,” Howe commented. He also acknowledged the joy of witnessing goals being scored without waiting for VAR confirmation.

Comparative Thoughts from Unai Emery

Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, shared a different viewpoint. Following a recent match, he labeled VAR as “unfair” while also asserting its necessity. He emphasized the vital role that VAR plays in supporting referees during crucial moments of the game.

“VAR makes sense and is necessary to help the referees,” Emery stated, reflecting on the competitive nature of the match against Newcastle.

As discussions around VAR continue, the debate on its role in the game remains salient. Howe’s insights highlight the complexities of officiating and the duality of VAR’s impact on emotional experience in football.