‘VAR is helping football’ Infantino backs technology amid criticism

The introduction of VAR and its widespread use has changed the face of football in recent seasons. In addition to helping referees with difficult decisions, the technology has led to some controversial moments too. After a late penalty for

was given in their last weekend’s match against

, the Reds midfielder James Milner hit out at VAR on Twitter. Earlier this week Aston Villa’s

Jack Grealish

claimed that the technology is ‘ruining the game’ after his side was denied a late equalizer in their clash against

. FIFA president

Gianni Infantino

has backed VAR amid criticism and insisted that mistakes are natural because of the technology’s novelty.

"We have to remember VAR was introduced for the first time two years ago, not 20 years ago,

"VAR is helping football, it's certainly not damaging football.

"We must not make a confusion between VAR and maybe sometimes wrong decisions which are taken because of the wrong way in which VAR is used, maybe in some places because of the lack of experience of those who are using VAR,

"Let's not forget this really is a landmark change for a referee who didn't grow up with VAR.

"We have to take the pulse of what is happening out there, to take the criticism and analyse them."

"VAR is not an obligation, it's there to help," Infantino continued. "Those who don't want to use it, they are not obliged to use it.

"It helped referees in the World Cup, it helps referees in many competitions and players and coaches agree."

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