The Role of VAR in Football
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) continues to spark debate in football, with each match presenting new controversies regarding its effectiveness and the decision-making process behind the scenes. This season, a thorough examination of significant incidents is underway to dissect how VAR operates in relation to the established rules and protocols of the game.
Case Study: Ronaldo’s Red Card
In one notable case, Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg officiated a match involving Portugal, where star player Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card for violent conduct after a review prompted by VAR official Pol van Boekel. The incident occurred in the 59th minute, as Portugal faced the Republic of Ireland.
During a defensive play, Ronaldo and Irish defender Dara O’Shea collided, resulting in O’Shea falling to the ground. Following the encounter, Ronaldo made a gesture indicating that O’Shea had exaggerated the contact, suggesting a dive. However, referee Nyberg considered Ronaldo’s conduct aggressive and subsequently issued a yellow card.
After assessing the footage, van Boekel advised a review on the possibility of upgrading the card due to violent behavior from Ronaldo. The video evidence showcased a deliberate elbow swing aimed at O’Shea, which led the VAR team to conclude that the action involved sufficient force to classify as a violent offense.
Thus, van Boekel suggested that Nyberg consult the pitchside monitor. Upon doing so, Nyberg reevaluated the situation, reversing his yellow card and issuing a red card instead, indicating that Ronaldo’s actions went beyond what is allowable play.
Implications of the Decision
This decision reflects the effectiveness of VAR in identifying and rectifying misjudgments on the field, especially when a player’s intent to harm is apparent, even if the contact is minimal. In this context, the law specifies that striking or attempting to strike an opponent warrants a red card, emphasizing the nature of the act rather than merely the physical impact.
It seems evident that the original series of decisions made by Nyberg and his assistants did not fully capture the complexity of the incident, as it unfolded off the ball and might have been overlooked in the heat of play. The officials’ body language suggested uncertainty, indicating they were reconstructing events rather than addressing them with full clarity in real-time.
While Ronaldo expressed his discontent with a sarcastic applause directed at the officiating crew as he exited the pitch, this incident ultimately stands as an example of how VAR can successfully intervene in ensuring that the integrity of the sport is maintained through accurate and fair officiating.
