Sean Dyche Burnley
Nottingham Forest clinched a crucial victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, thanks to Igor Jesus’ first goal in the competition. The match, however, was not without its controversies, as a VAR decision played a pivotal role in the outcome. The incident occurred when Dan Ndoye was deemed offside and obstructing Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone’s view, leading to the overturning of the on-field decision by referee Tim Robinson after consulting the VAR monitor.
Sean Dyche said: “Well, I’m the only manager who ever mentions why they (referees) go over to the screen. It’s funny how it goes against us, that was interesting. Managers in the old days could lose a job on a bad decision. At least now it gives you a better chance of everyone, in theory, having similar decisions. There’s always going to be tough decisions, even with VAR. Tonight I’m bound to say he (Ndoye) doesn’t impede anyone. He doesn’t. He just stands still. He’s not trying to deflect it in or anything like that. I’m bound to say I’m disappointed in it. I don’t think the keeper would have saved it. But you never know, these keepers are so agile. He’s a good keeper as well, so he might have. But I’m bound to say that I’m aggrieved.”
Dyche continued: “Going on to the fans, that (the length of time taken) for me, is miles too long. You know, there’s a lot of people sitting in those rooms, and if that decision is the final one, that can be made a lot quicker than that. And then the referee gets put under pressure, which I’m not a fan of. I don’t agree with them going up to the screen. I think usually they turn it around and that takes a long time. So I do feel for fans, but the professional side of me says my job might depend on those decisions. So, it’s a tough call.”
He further added: “I spoke years ago, when it (VAR) first came in – and it seems like years ago now – and I said it’s how quickly they can speed it up, and it still hasn’t. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the NottinghamshireLive Reds writers. But I don’t understand talking to the crowd, and I just think it’s a waste. It’s already taken forever. Just call it and get on with it. I really don’t understand it. They all wanted it in the Premier League. They tell me, all the stakeholders wanted it. I’d love to know who those stakeholders are, because I speak to the managers, they go: ‘We didn’t want it’. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe fans want that, but it just takes more time.”
Dyche concluded: “I personally think referees have a hard job, and I think they do a great job overall. Why put them under more pressure? You know, it’s not natural for everyone to want to speak in front of 20, 40, 50, 60, 70,000 people. So why put that on their plate as well? Why not just let them officiate. I’m saying take it off them. Give them just a chance to officiate. Give them a chance to breathe and get their job done without layering up more and more and more on top. Anyways, there you go.”
The match highlighted ongoing debates surrounding the use of VAR in football, particularly concerning the time taken for decisions and the pressure placed on referees. Dyche’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among managers about the impact of technology on the game and its influence on match outcomes. Despite the controversy, Nottingham Forest’s victory provides them with valuable points as they continue their Premier League campaign.
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