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Soccer

Fabien Barthez bemoans the use of VAR and urges football to scrap it

Ash Rose
Fabien Barthez bemoans the use of VAR and urges football to scrap itGetty Images
Goalkeeping icon isn't a fan of VAR.

Footballing legend Fabien Barthez has criticised the use of VAR in the Premier League and urged authorities to remove it altogether.

Premier League clubs are set to meet before next season to discuss the use of VAR following a campaign where the system has been at the centre of controversy and responsible for notable mistakes. 

Barthez believes that VAR has taken the human aspect out of the game and can't see a place for it in the game. 

He said: “I hope they get rid of it [VAR]... Let’s just say that it’s a bit complicated given what the Premier League represents in the world of football.

“If they [Football Governing bodies] get rid of VAR, it could take off as a movement, but that’s within the realm of politics and economics. I’m a football player first and foremost. To be honest, I’m fine with using VAR but not for everything, because since it’s been around, there have been just as many problems as before.
 
"Also, it takes away the most important thing about football, which is the human aspect. Players make mistakes and are part of football, but referees are part of football, too, and they’re allowed to make mistakes.

"So, I think that it takes away the human aspect of football. I’ve never been a fan of VAR."

Fabien Barthez was speaking on behalf of Official UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League partner, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, as part of the Enterprise ‘Rent-A-Player’ competition in Toulouse. Discover more at www.enterprise.co.uk/uel

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