Conte Blasts VAR After Serie A Stalemate

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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Conte Blasts VAR After Serie A Stalemate: "It's a Joke, a Disgrace"

Turin, Italy - Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte launched a scathing attack on VAR after his side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The Italian tactician expressed his anger and frustration over a number of decisions made by the video assistant referee, which he felt unfairly impacted the game.

The match at the San Siro was a tight affair, with both sides creating a handful of chances but ultimately failing to break the deadlock. However, Conte was particularly incensed by a decision not to award Tottenham a penalty after a clear foul on Dejan Kulusevski in the second half.

“I think it was a clear penalty for Kulusevski. He was fouled, and I don’t understand why it wasn’t given,” said Conte, visibly frustrated. “It’s not the first time we’ve seen decisions like this, and it’s becoming a real problem. We need to talk about it because it's not fair. It’s a joke, a disgrace.”

Conte also highlighted other instances where he felt VAR decisions were questionable. "There was a foul on Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in the first half that wasn’t even checked. It's a constant frustration, and it's affecting the game. I don't know how they are using VAR.”

The Tottenham manager’s outburst is likely to reignite the ongoing debate surrounding the use of VAR in football. While proponents argue that it helps to ensure fair play and correct clear errors, critics argue that it often leads to inconsistencies and can stifle the flow of the game.

The 0-0 draw leaves the tie delicately poised heading into the second leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next month. Despite the frustration with the officiating, Conte remains confident his side can secure victory in the return fixture.

"We had good chances to score and I think we dominated the game, especially in the second half," said Conte. "We didn't get the result we wanted, but we are still in the tie and we are going to fight for victory in the second leg."

The debate over VAR’s effectiveness and implementation is likely to continue, with Conte’s latest criticism adding fuel to the fire. It remains to be seen if the use of the technology will be significantly revised in the future, but one thing is clear – it is a topic that is not going away anytime soon.