Madrid derby controversy proves why it's time to scrap VAR

The most recent Madrid derby has reignited the debate over whether it is time to abandon VAR, the video assistant referee system. The controversy arose from a mismatch of decisions made by the referee and VAR during the match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. After the 2-1 defeat for Real Madrid, manager Jose Mourinho expressed his frustration through pictures of two first-half incidents he believed should have resulted in red cards.

The first incident involved Jude Bellingham, who was booked by the referee before VAR intervened and changed his yellow card to a red for catching the England midfielder with his studs. This challenge was deemed a 50/50 tackle, and Mourinho considered it subjective. The second incident, however, highlights the difficulties in defending VAR.

Lee Kang-In collided with Federico Valverde, putting excessive force on his ankle, but no red card or even a yellow card was shown by the VAR. Real Madrid's players appealed for a red card, and Mourinho questioned why VAR did not intervene.

The problem lies in VAR's inconsistency when it comes to subjective tackles and red cards. The technology was supposed to assist in eliminating major human errors, but instead, it has created more confusion. For factual decisions, such as offside, goal line, and mistaken identity, VAR is beneficial. However, when it comes to subjective tackles and red cards, VAR seems to be creating as much confusion as it is resolving.

Referees still have to make human decisions, even with the technological assistance, leading to varying opinions on what constitutes a clear and obvious mistake.