Mourinho: Football too beautiful to be spoiled by VAR
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is too flawed for regular use after a close call cost his side a goal Saturday at Huddersfield Town.
Juan Mata's first-half strike was overturned by VAR after replays showed the Spaniard's knee to be just offside. Mourinho admitted the decision was easier to take after the 2-0 victory, but questions remained as to whether VAR should've been consulted at all.
Related: Lukaku knocks out Huddersfield amid more VAR drama
"It has thrown up some amazing results, but there have also been problems and frustrations," Mourinho told reporters, including the Guardian's Paul Wilson. "It is not reliable yet and I think the game is too beautiful to be spoiled by something not perfect.
"I also believe the way the system was used at Huddersfield went against the original protocol, which was specifically to correct clear and obvious mistakes. It takes a long time too, and then you have to cope with the frustration if the decision goes against you."
Initial images caused even more confusion, as uneven lines were drawn on the screen to determine if Mata had veered into an offside position.
(Courtesy: @AJ3)
Neil Sawbrick, the VAR on duty located 200 miles away in London, eventually reviewed more accurate footage to reach a conclusion.
"I had to tell my analysts to shut up at half-time because I didn't want the players to know what happened," Mourinho added. "I wanted them to accept it was offside and move on. Perhaps we should be patient, it is experimental after all, but that is easier to say after a 2-0 victory."
VAR stoked controversy last month during a fourth-round FA Cup tie between West Brom and Liverpool, with three incidents requiring the intervention of the remote official.
The technology is being trialled in England's cup competitions and across various European leagues ahead of a potential worldwide expansion.
Related - In defence of VAR: Early hiccups shouldn't discourage use of technology