I concur with Simon Jordan who said the following :

"The on-field decision was a goal. VAR's objective after that is to look into the reality of a clear and obvious error. If they haven't got certain camera angles, each part of that conversation has a subjective view to it. If VAR can't categorically say the ball was out, you can't make that decision and you're staying with the on-field decision."

Subsequent photographs and analysis have indicated that the ball was in play.

On-field decision was no foul and I support the decision of the VAR who reviewed the incident in detail.

With respect the "Most observers" comment is a generalisation, most certainly those that I have spoken to have agreed with the VAR.The referee deemed the incident physical contact and I for one agree with his judgement.

Edited by Willo (06 Nov 2023 6.44pm)

True, it should take no more than 30 seconds to come to a decision If you're having to dissect & almost have an autopsy type decision made it needs to go

Pro USA & Israel

It is but it would be a million times better without VAR disruptions to play. The decisions are so marginal and cannot be relied upon because of the acknowledged margin of error with the freeze frame technology.

The Son goal looked onside from the conventional angle but no lines were drawn They then used the reverse angle to draw the lines and he looked offside.

The inconsistencies with decisions as well - such as the Udogie two footed challenge. Red card all day long but not given, yet the two Romero challenges…

Over twelve minutes of added time played

I have had a plethora of conversations with passionate devotees of football and they have expressed the view that VAR has 'Destroyed' the game and has not added even a slither of value to the spectacle.

Amongst the criticisms was the all those pauses in play when incidents are dissected to the minutest detail and players, and supporters, have to wait to celebrate a goal.

There was a consensus that it is a pleasure to watch games from the lower divisions when VAR is not operation.

Rest assured you are not alone, there is total confusion about the whole VAR process.

Apropos "Clear and obvious", this is a subjective decision and subjectivity leads to inconsistency and confusion and indeed frustation.

Regards 'Offsides' we are reminded that this is an issue of FACT but we have witnessed incidents where the protocol in terms of the drawing of lines has not been followed due to human error.Furthermore "Subjective offsides" have added a further layer of complexity.

Indeed any "Infringement" being too far back in the build-up to a goal can be subjective and I suspect supporters and pundits etc etc are totally unclear as to this aspect of the VAR protocol as they are about 'Handball'.

Alas, the debate and discussion is now centred on VAR and not the actual game.

Finally I welcome the comments of Ange Postecoglu which were in stark contrast to the outburst from Arteta who behaved akin to a petulant child.

Edited by Willo (07 Nov 2023 8.07am)