“I saw two challenges on Rashford and Traore that were very similar and weren’t given. We are just looking for consistency.”
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has called for consistency in the way VAR is implemented in the Premier League.
Robertson was penalised for a late foul on Brighton striker Danny Welbeck which resulted in Jurgen Klopp’s side leaving the Amex with just a point.
Robertson was adjudged to kick the foot of Welbeck, which referee Stuart Attwell deemed worthy of a penalty after consulting a pitch-side monitor.
Brighton’s Pascal Gross subsequently slotted the penalty home to make the score 1-1.
Liverpool could only draw 1-1 with Brighton after Andy Robertson gave away a late penalty. (Photo: Getty)Speaking after the game, Robertson was angry – but said it wasn’t the Brighton penalty incident alone that frustrated him. Instead, the Scotland international said inconsistency is the biggest problem with VAR.
He said: “I’ve got no problem if my tackle is being given as a pen. But on Sunday I saw two challenges on Rashford and Traore that were very similar and weren’t given. We are just looking for consistency. We thought we’d get that with VAR and we aren’t right.”
Robertson: "I've got no problem if my tackle is being given as a pen. But on Sunday I saw two challenges on Rashford and Traore that were very similar and weren't given. We are just looking for consistency. We thought we'd get that with VAR and we aren't right." #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) November 30, 2020
Captain of the Scotland squad that recently qualified for the Euros, Robertson added: “Millie [James Milner] echoed not just what players but also a lot of football fans are feeling. A lot of people I speak to aren’t enjoy watching football as much as they did before.”
James Milner posted a tweet in which he said he was “falling out of love” with football due to the issues associated with VAR.
It’s “clear and obvious” we need a serious discussion about VAR. Sure I’m not alone in feeling like they are falling out of love with the game in its current state. pic.twitter.com/5FGgLtqbHs
— James Milner (@JamesMilner) November 28, 2020
Robertson said he generally agreed with Milner’s assessment of VAR.
“I used to love being at games and being in that moment to celebrate a goal,” said the Scotland captain.
“That’s just taken out the game. Now you’re waiting sometimes 2/3 minutes to decide an offside. If it’s that tight for me then go with the original decision.”
