Western Sydney Wanderers coach Josep Gombau says the Video Assistant Referee is spoiling the game, suggesting consistency and time delays are undermining the benefits of video technology in the A-League.
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Despite being aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty and having an opponent sent off in Friday night's 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar when Brendon Santalab was left bloodied by an apparent elbow from Roar's Massimo Maccarone, Gombau believes the VAR should be used sparingly to avoid disrupting the rhythm of games.
He was supportive of the concept but criticised the A-League's use of the tool, suggesting it is being used too frequently in games, inconsistently and for matters that may not be crucial.
"For me, the VAR is a tool that is a good thing but should be used once every four or five games when there is one action really you need to check; if the ball goes inside the line or not or if it's clear aggression inside the area or a penalty," Gombau said. "Every game we stop the game or players score a goal but before they celebrate the goal they are watching [the screen to see] if it's a goal or not a goal ??? this, I don't think, benefits the game."
Gombau says there is a risk that regular intervention for the VAR could spoil the spectacle of games by eroding the spontaneity of the sport.
"I don't think we need to use it that much. I think it's good to put the technology to the game because sometimes things happen that aren't fair," Gombau said. "I think it's a good tool but not to use this often, here in Australia we are using every single game."
The Wanderers host Gombau's former club, Adelaide United, at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night and are set to welcome Dutch midfielder Roly Bonevacia back into the starting lineup. The 26-year-old missed the Wanderers' win over Brisbane Roar last week due to suspension and is set to be the only change to the starting lineup, despite the short turnaround of five days.
Australian international Josh Risdon also missed the match against Brisbane and is a chance to return at right back though he will have to pass a late fitness test. Marquee player Alvaro Cejudo has been ruled out with a calf injury sustained in their January 1 win over Melbourne City.
Meanwhile, Western Sydney Wanderers winger Jaushua Sotirio will return to the club to receive treatment for an injury sustained while on international duty with the Australian under-23s team. He'll be replaced by Newcastle Jets forward Joe Champness. Australia plays their first match of the AFC U-23 Championships against Syria on Thursday night.
