Football fans have become accustomed to debating the use of technology in the game in recent years – but in the fourth round of the FA Cup, its absence has frequently provided points of discussion.
Video Assistant Referee Technology has only been used after the fifth round this season, several controversial events have occurred to get disconnected.
Some have liked the absence of VAR, such as Brighton Boss Fabian Hurzeller, for which their winner against Chelsea was to deny the handball on the Tariq lamp.
“But that’s it. It’s football,” he told the BBC Sport. “With VAR, football is not as sensitive as today.
“Everyone agreed with me that there was a great environment today. You can celebrate a goal because you are sure it’s a goal. I’m glad that it was like that.”
Some were less convinced with his Chelsea equivalent Enzo Merreska – the direction of which could still be in the FA Cup with Ver.
“I think the handball is quite clear.
But he added: “Sometimes even with VAR, you never know if it’s [going to be given as] Handball or not. I don’t know. This season we saw a lot of handball and the VAR was not there “”
Even in Manchester United’s boss Ruben Amorim on Friday, Harry Maguer’s dramatic late winner against Lyster City in the first tie of the round on Friday and should not have to stand.
Several more high-profile incidents occurred in Saturday’s matches and five games will still be played for the next three days.
So, what’s going on with the VAR in the FA Cup – and why?
