VAR: 70% of fans want rid of it, poll finds

1:30pm on Sunday 8th November 2020
By Paul Macdonald

A poll conducted by Match of the Day host Gary Lineker found that over 70% of voters would happily see VAR removed from the game.

Lineker hosted the poll on his Twitter page in the wake of Patrick Bamford's offside goal at Crystal Palace, given because his hand was ahead of the play.

Bamford was pointing to where he wanted the ball to be played, but this was enough for video referee Mike Dean to disallow the goal, leading to much consternation, not least from the player who said VAR is 'ruining the game'.

Lineker's poll has received well over 250,000 votes and over 70% of those responding have stated their desire for VAR to be given a rethink.

VAR represents the first negative change to the offside rule in history

Would like your help please. A poll for @BBCMOTD on VAR. would you....
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 7, 2020

The Bamford incident is the latest in a long line of inconsistent decisions where the attacking player has been punished, or the rules have changed week-to=week.

It is thought that with the offside rule in particular there will be discussions in March involving the PGMOL and various governing bodies to assess where the game goes from here.

The Premier League have already been vocal in their dissatisfaction with the handball rule in particular, which underwent sweeping changes this season to remove the concept of intent, and instead of focus on the natural silhouette of a player.