Keith Andrews questions VAR’s influence after Brentford progress
Brentford coach Keith Andrews says referees should be allowed to make decisions and accept human error after a disputed Carabao Cup call and Manchester derby controversy.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews has questioned VAR’s influence on refereeing after his side beat Reading 2–1 to reach the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Reading defender Paudie O’Connor had a first-half overhead-kick goal ruled out by referee Tom Nield for a high boot. Reading manager Leam Richardson described the decision as possibly among the three worst he had seen in his career.
VAR was not in use at that stage of the EFL Cup, but Andrews said officials should be allowed to referee matches as human beings and make decisions. He said he felt the technology had contributed to referees becoming reluctant to make calls in both penalty areas.
Andrews said referees were no longer being allowed to make mistakes, arguing that football had moved away from relationships between players and officials built on respect and communication.
His comments followed a report that Pro Ref had acknowledged an “error of judgement” in allowing Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United. The goal was disputed over whether City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, interfered with play.
Andrews called the decision to allow the goal to stand “pretty alarming”. Brentford, who are reported as seventh in the Premier League, remain unbeaten this season with one win and three draws.
