Calciomercato report how Gian Piero Gasperini’s recent outburst against VAR has struck a chord with many football purists. The Atalanta manager’s words, spoken earlier this month, have gained renewed relevance following controversial decisions in recent matches, including his own team’s Champions League fixture.
Gasperini argues that VAR has fundamentally altered the nature of football, creating confusion and stripping away the sport’s essence. He laments the loss of physical contests, the overanalysis of handball incidents, and the overall shift in the game’s spirit and player movements.
The coach’s frustration stems from a belief that VAR, while occasionally useful for glaring errors, has ultimately degraded the quality of football. He points out that the technology has tripled controversies due to the lack of clear regulations, allowing for contradictory interpretations of the same incidents.
Gasperini’s critique extends beyond just the implementation of VAR. He argues that the very nature of football as a contact sport is being eroded. The microscopic examination of every touch has led to an increase in soft penalties and encouraged players to exaggerate contact to win fouls.
The impact on officiating has been profound. Linesmen hesitate to raise their flags, even for obvious offsides, while referees struggle with an increasingly complex rulebook designed to accommodate technological intervention. This has resulted in decisions that seem to go against the spirit of the game, such as the controversial penalty awarded in Atalanta’s recent Champions League match.
Perhaps most concerning is the effect on the emotional aspect of football. The spontaneous joy of scoring a goal has been replaced by a cautious celebration, pending VAR review. This change risks alienating fans, particularly younger generations who may never experience the unbridled excitement of an immediate goal celebration.
While acknowledging that some technological advancements, like goal-line technology and semi-automated offside, have improved the game, there’s a growing sentiment that VAR’s influence needs to be curtailed. The fear is that without such limitations, football may lose its original spirit entirely.
Gasperini’s words reflect a wider concern within the football community. As the sport continues to grapple with the role of technology, his call for a return to a more authentic version of the game resonates with many who fear football is becoming “a completely different sport” – one that rewards cunning over skill and disrupts the flow and passion that have long been its hallmarks.
