30th March 2026
March 30 – VAR in the Premier League has long been a source of fan frustration. New figures released by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) show a clear majority of supporters question whether the technology has improved the game at all.
According to an FSA survey spanning nearly 8,000 fans across all 20 top-flight clubs, 90% believe VAR has worsened the matchday experience, while 91% say it has damaged the spontaneity of goal celebrations. A further 94% disagreed that VAR has enhanced the television viewing experience.
“The results show that most fans want VAR removed,” said Thomas Concannon, the FSA’s Premier League network manager, said in an interview with BBC Sport. “We’ve all lived with VAR for so long now that we’ve seen the negative impact it’s had on the game.
“People are annoyed about the time that it takes, annoyed about the accuracy, and annoyed about the spontaneity. It does take away from what football is meant to be.”
The data also points to deeper scepticism around decision-making. Some 72% of respondents do not believe VAR has made refereeing more accurate, while 74% point to the reasoning behind decisions being unclear.
Concerns over expansion of VAR responsibilities are overwhelmingly outnumbering those favouring the development of VAR, with 86% opposed to broadening VAR’s remit – including potential checks on corners and second yellow cards, both of which are set to feature at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
In a statement, the Premier League said: “We recognise the importance of minimising the impact of VAR on the supporter experience. Our research indicates fans are largely in favour of keeping VAR, but improving the way it is used.”
The league has pointed to performance metrics, with VAR contributing to an overall refereeing accuracy rate of around 96-97% and delivering roughly 100 correct interventions per season. It also pointed out that delays have reportedly fallen by 25% over the past two campaigns.
Still, the disconnect between governing bodies and supporters is a problem. “If it’s not going to speed up and it’s not going to take away the controversy, that’s why supporters are voting in the way that they have,” Concannon added.
With clubs having overwhelmingly voted to retain VAR as recently as 2024, there seems little immediate prospect of change.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1774874627labto1774874627ofdlr1774874627owedi1774874627sni@g1774874627niwe.1774874627yrrah1774874627](javascript:;)