– It is incredibly interesting that so many in the population are against VAR in Norwegian football. This is also the development we have experienced, says Ole Christian Sandvik. He is a spokesman for the Vålerenga supporters “Klanen” and a board member of the Norwegian Supporter Alliance. Recently, he is one of many Norwegian football supporters who have fought bitterly against the use of VAR in Norwegian football. Ole Christian Sandvik, spokesman for the “Klan”. Photo: Henrik Myhr Nielsen Now a survey carried out by Norstat for news shows that two out of three Norwegians interested in football believe that the current use of VAR does not work. Some of them want to remove VAR anyway, while the vast majority have replied that “It may be that VAR can be used, but not as it is today”. Also in the population as a whole, i.e. not only among those who are particularly interested in football, there are those who either want to remove VAR or who believe that VAR should not be used as it is today in the majority. Believes opposition is increasing In Norwegian football stands, there have long been various campaigns against VAR among the supporters after the new technology was introduced in the Eliteserien a year and a half ago. The most critical supporters believe the system constantly leads to breaks in the game and waiting for decisions. Thus, VAR takes away much of the immediate joy of following a football match. They believe that a few more correct decisions do not outweigh the disadvantages. Clan spokesman Sandvik has seen a trend towards more people seeing VAR’s problematic aspects now than a year or two ago. – Many were positive about the principle of VAR. But in Norway we got a cheap version which means that decisions take time, but still we can’t trust them. It is incredibly interesting that so many in the population are now against VAR in Norwegian football. – The more VAR is used, the more opponents there will be. This applies both in the stands, but also in society in general, says Sandvik. Survey on VAR On behalf of news, Norstat has asked a representative selection of Norwegians questions about their attitudes towards VAR in football. 1025 people have responded. Main findings: To the question “What do you think in general about the use of VAR in football?” 11 percent answered that VAR is very good, while 15% do not want VAR anyway. 41% think VAR is okay, but needs to be improved. On the question “Should VAR continue in Norwegian football?” 20% answer that we should continue with VAR as it is in Norway, while 13% want to end VAR. 31% answered “It may be that VAR can be used, but not like today”. Among those interested in football (those who have stated that they are “to some extent”, “to a large extent” or “to a very large extent” interested in football) 17% want to stop VAR altogether, while 24% think we should continue with VAR like today. 51% answered “VAR may be used, but not like today”. – Alienating The survey shows that it is those most interested in football who are most critical of the use of VAR. At the same time, there is a large group who are “to some extent” or “largely” interested in football and want VAR to continue to be used in Norwegian football. In fact, there are more football-interested Norwegians who are categorical that they want to continue with VAR than have decided that VAR should be out of football anyway. When asked if it is right to take action so that matches are stopped when the VAR opponents appear to be in the minority compared to those who clearly say “yes”, Sandvik answers as follows: – The tribune mainly speaks on behalf of itself. There is a difference between those who watch the Premier League on TV and those who are in the stadium. VAR affects those in the stadium more than those watching the match on TV, says Sandvik. Also Mads Skauge, who is a Bodø/Glimt supporter and researches supporter culture, believes that VAR on TV and in the stands are two different things. – VAR is much more alienating for those in the stadium, partly because they get less information, says Skauge. The football president not surprised In recent weeks, several supporters have accused the Norwegian Football Association of having introduced VAR without listening to them. The association is now working to set up a working group that will look more closely at the experiences with VAR. The future of the technology will then be discussed at the football parliament next year. Football president Lise Klaveness is not surprised that the use of VAR divides those interested in football. Photo: NTB Football president Lise Klaveness is not surprised that the view on VAR divides the population as the survey shows. – There are groups that are clearly against or ready for VAR, but there are also many who are a bit in the middle. They are curious about digital tools that can increase the precision of decisions that contribute to more fair play, but also want pressure to improve the current VAR solution, says Klaveness. See the star back in the tournament final 02:22 The Norwegian golf star breaks down because of her own joke 00:38 Laughs at Ingebrigtsen’s stunt: – I wouldn’t have dared 00:45 The tennis player Gauff argues with judges, says she always has to defend herself 01: 04 Show more Published 01.08.2024, at 09.14
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The majority of football fans do not want the current VAR solution in Norwegian football – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
