Video ref spoils A-League emotion: Brosque

Dec 19, 2017 - 3:15 AM For many critics, the A-League's video assistant referee (VAR) intervenes too frequently, gets calls wrong and takes too long.

For Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque, the much-maligned technology also erodes one of football's fundamental joys; goal celebrations.

Brosque has joined the chorus condemning the current use of the VAR, after a slew of controversial incidents prompted Football Federation Australia to overhaul the system in time for the next round.

A number of video referees, including full-time referee Shaun Evans, have been sidelined from VAR duties while irritated A-League chiefs have reiterated those remaining are only to step in on the most critical game-changing decisions.

Brosque initially supported the VAR trial as another welcome set of eyes, but now feels it has reached the point of re-refereeing to the detriment of games.

"They're getting involved a little too much at the moment," Brosque said.

"It seems like every tackle is getting looked at ... there's too much stoppage, a lot of games now you're seeing 96, 97, 98 minutes. That shouldn't be happening.

"So as long as we can find a way to make the game flow and try and make things as black and white as possible, and the less you see the VAR get involved in matches the better.

"It still has potential to be a good thing, and you've got to applaud the fact the FFA is looking at other countries and seeking help.

"It can work, it just needs to be worked on."

One of Brosque's biggest gripes was the VAR's propensity to spoil the human aspect of the game, the in-the-moment passion that drives players and attracts fans.

"Having spoken to people who sit in the crowd and watch, it takes away from the emotion of the game as well," he said.

"So scoring a goal, you can't celebrate properly as fans or players because you've got to wait two or three minutes before it actually gets given.

"That's the side that's frustrating players and fans alike. You want the game to flow, and if a goal is scored for the emotions to take over."

Brosque has had reason to celebrate recently, with two goals in his past two games to help the Sky Blues retain their five points lead at the top.

They were the 34-year-old's first this season after last year's return of a career-high 11 goals.

"It was starting to weigh on my mind a little bit, as it does being a forward and not getting the goals," he said.

"So to have a couple in the last two weeks is satisfying."

Source: AAP