Brentford boss Keith Andrews believes VAR will never be “exact science” after Saturday’s controversial 4-3 win away to Burnley.
Ashley Barnes thought he got a 98th-minute equaliser for the hosts at Turf Moor, but after a lengthy process it was deemed that he handled the ball despite evidence appearing to be inconclusive for many.
There was also a tight offside call which went Brentford’s way and would have seen Zian Flemming give Burnley the lead.
Andrews, whose side travel to Bournemouth on Tuesday (7.30pm kick-off), said: “I think the reality is that VAR is on a journey to try to perfect it, and try to get as close to perfection as possible in the key decisions, key moments within games.
“It’s never going to be an exact science, for me. Even down to decisions like Saturday are going to be slightly subjective.
“It’s not maybe as conclusive as some people might think.”
The offside call for Flemming’s disallowed goal also took some time, but Andrews has full belief in the offside decision-making process.
He said: “Where I am at with offsides, that was probably a little bit different to other people – I don’t buy into, ‘but it’s only this far’.
“That’s offside for me – I think that’s black and white. I struggle to comprehend the thought process of some people were saying, ‘but it’s only this much of the body.’
“If the technology is correct, which I’m confident it is, then they’re pretty simple decisions for their offside or not offside.”
A lengthy four-minute delay for Barnes’ disallowed goal left supporters in limbo, and Andrews admitted the wait can be agonising for fans.
The former Republic of Ireland international said: “I think the natural frustration of fans and people that are attached to the game is the length of time that it can take to get to a decision.
“I think that can be really testing.”
Feature image: Dicken Richards
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