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FFA must be held accountable for VAR debacle

Ernie Merrick (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
Roar Guru
7th May, 2018
4

We have been cheated by the FFA’s response to the Video Assistant Referee malfunctioning, potentially costing the Newcastle Jets their first A-League championship since the 2007-08 season.

An issue with the Hawk-Eye system saw Kosta Barbarouses’ goal stand, even though three Victory players were offside.

Yes, it was early on in the match, but the goal was the deciding factor in Victory claiming their fourth A-League championship.

This is a disappointing way to end one of the most exciting A-League finals series we have seen. It was a shock for the most dominant team of the season, Sydney FC, to be knocked out in front of their home crowd last Saturday.

The FFA ruined what should’ve been a fantastic way to end a great season. For the Hawk-Eye to malfunction in such a pivotal match is ridiculous.

FFA need to let us know how the VAR was really used during the course of the season. The system has been called a failure by journalists and football experts, even those who have played in the A-League.

VAR will be a success if used properly. Unfortunately, FFA will have to admit that it was unsuccessful this year, and reshape their strategy if they are going to use it again in October.

I hope David Gallop comes forward this week to explain why the VAR really failed in the grand final, and why it led to some of the most ridiculous calls over the course of the season.

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