FA Cup Final: The Henderson Incident And The Growing Calls To Scrap VAR

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Post on May 18, 2025

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FA Cup Final: The Henderson Incident and the Growing Calls to Scrap VAR

The 2023 FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United will be remembered not just for the thrilling football, but also for a controversial incident involving City captain Jordan Henderson and the increasingly contentious Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The aftermath has reignited the debate about VAR's effectiveness, with calls to scrap the system altogether growing louder than ever.

The incident, which occurred in the second half, saw Henderson appear to handle the ball inside the penalty area. While the referee initially waved play on, VAR intervened, leading to a lengthy review and ultimately, a penalty awarded to Manchester United. The penalty, successfully converted, proved pivotal in shaping the game's outcome. However, slow-motion replays revealed a marginal handball, sparking outrage among City fans and pundits alike. This wasn't simply a case of a "clear and obvious error," the threshold for VAR intervention; many believe it highlighted the system's flaws and its detrimental effect on the flow and spirit of the game.

The Henderson Handball and the VAR Controversy

The Henderson incident perfectly encapsulates the frustrations surrounding VAR. Critics argue the technology, intended to improve refereeing accuracy, frequently leads to lengthy delays, undermines the authority of on-field officials, and often punishes unintentional or inconsequential actions. The slow-motion analysis, while providing greater clarity, can also distort the context of a play, leading to decisions that feel harsh and unjust to players and fans alike.

• Lack of Consistency: VAR decisions often seem arbitrary, with similar incidents leading to differing outcomes across different matches. This inconsistency erodes trust in the system and breeds suspicion.
• Disruption to the Flow of the Game: The lengthy reviews disrupt the rhythm and excitement of matches, causing significant interruptions to the natural flow of play.
• Over-reliance on Technology: The over-reliance on VAR diminishes the role of the human element in refereeing, reducing the importance of subjective judgment and on-field interpretation.
• Subjective Interpretation: Even with technological assistance, the interpretation of rules remains subjective. Different officials may view the same incident differently, even with VAR review, leading to further inconsistency.

Growing Calls for VAR Abolition

The fallout from the Henderson incident has fuelled existing discontent with VAR, leading to a surge in calls for its complete removal. Many believe that the perceived benefits of VAR are outweighed by its significant drawbacks. The argument is simple: the human element, with all its imperfections, is still preferable to a system that frequently leads to frustration and controversy.

Alternatives to VAR: Instead of relying solely on technology, some suggest focusing on improved referee training and enhanced communication between officials. Others propose a more lenient application of the rules, minimizing the need for constant interventions.

The FA Cup Final highlighted the ongoing battle between technology's promise and its reality. While the aim of VAR is laudable—to enhance accuracy and fairness—the current implementation often falls short, causing more problems than it solves. Until a better, more consistent, and less disruptive system can be found, the calls to scrap VAR are likely to continue growing. The question remains: will football's governing bodies heed these calls and consider a return to a less technology-driven approach to refereeing? Only time will tell.