Brentford boss Andrews calls for referees to be allowed to make mistakes
Keith Andrews says VAR has made referees reluctant to make decisions, following Brentford's 2-1 Carabao Cup win at Reading. He referenced a recent officiating error in the Manchester derby and argued officials should be permitted to err without constant technological oversight.
Brentford’s 2-1 victory at Reading in the Carabao Cup third round was overshadowed by a contentious disallowed goal for the hosts, with Paudie O’Connor’s overhead kick ruled out for a high boot. The match had no VAR, as the competition’s early rounds do not use the system. Andrews, whose side sit seventh in the Premier League, pointed to the recent Manchester derby controversy—where Pro Ref admitted an error in allowing Erling Haaland’s goal despite Enzo Fernandez being offside—as evidence that officials are now unaccustomed to making split-second calls without technological backup. He argued that years of relying on VAR have eroded referees’ confidence and their ability to build respectful, human relationships with players on the pitch.
This debate could reshape how fans and clubs view officiating, especially in lower-stakes competitions where VAR is absent. If referees remain hesitant to make decisive calls, matches may see more controversial outcomes, potentially fueling frustration among players, managers, and supporters. The push to allow human error may also influence future discussions about VAR’s scope, possibly leading to a more limited role for technology in football. Ultimately, the affected parties are referees, whose authority is questioned, and the broader game, which balances fairness with the sport’s natural unpredictability.