Overview

• Bobby Madley, a current EFL referee and Premier League fourth official, publicly declared that VAR has killed spontaneous moments in football.
• He argued that iconic celebrations like Sergio Aguero’s 2012 title-winning goal would no longer be possible due to obligatory offside checks.
• Madley warned that instant video reviews in front of large crowds and TV audiences have undermined referees’ confidence and authority.
• He attributed VAR’s prevalence to football’s billion-pound economics driving a demand for error-free officiating despite limited fan demand for technology.
• The Professional Game Match Officials Limited has been approached for comment following his remarks at the Cheltenham Science Festival.