Rangers manager Philippe Clement insists he is a “fan” of VAR, despite the fact that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has called for the system to be scrapped.
The Belgian manager was speaking after Rangers defeated Livingston 2-0 in the Scottish Premiership, with technology playing a key role.
Philippe Clement has reacted to recent high-profile criticism of VAR, claiming that the technology isn’t perfect due to “grey” areas in decision-making, but the ex-Belgium international insists the system makes the game more “honest.”
“I didn’t see the images back so I cannot have a good opinion about that (the VAR decisions in the game,” Clement said. To be clear, I support VAR because it makes the game more honest. There are fewer mistakes than in the past.
“There were a lot more mistakes when I was a player because now everyone can see back in slow motion and make the right decision.”
“And, in the end, there will be some mistakes made because some decisions are grey areas and things are always interpreted. However, it makes the game more honest overall, which is what I want; an honest game.
Philippe Clement defies the trend by defending VAR.
Philippe Clement’s remarks about VAR come after the technology was heavily used in the win over Livingston.
Rangers had two goals disallowed by VAR in the game, with Cyriel Dessers adjudicated to have interfered with play from an offside position for the first and Abdallah Sima adjudicated to have fouled a player in the build-up to a Ross McCausland effort later in the first half.
The young Northern Irishman was also accused of diving after winning a penalty in the first half, while VAR awarded a second Rangers penalty for handball in the Livingston box later in the game.
With Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers claiming during the week that he’d “get rid” of VAR immediately, claiming it’s “spoiling” the game, Philippe Clement’s comments are refreshing and mature.
While technology may not always get it right, it ensures that far more correct results are produced than incorrect, and it is clearly aimed at assisting referees rather than being perfect
