“These people cannot do it properly” - Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp delivers verdict on scrapping VAR
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has delivered a scathing review on VAR, admitting he would vote to scrap it.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been used in the Premier League since the 2019-20 season after an unanimous vote. While it has helped improve decision-making to an extent over the years, it has also caused multiple controversies due to some questionable calls, which have affected end results.
VAR controversies in the Premier League have reached an all-time high this season with many fans questioning the competitions' integrity as well. While the technology itself has functioned as intended, the referees in charge have made some high-profile errors.
During the Wolverhampton Wanderers pre-match press conference, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was asked to give his verdict on VAR, to which he replied (via Fabrizio Romano):
“How it's used is definitely not right, how they use it… I would vote against VAR. These people cannot do it properly. VAR is not the problem, you cannot change the people so I would vote for scrapping VAR”.
Wolves have taken the initiative by formally submitting a resolution to the Premier League to scrap VAR. Representatives from all 20 sides are set to have a meeting at Harrogate on June 6 in order to reach a consensus. In order for VAR to be scrapped, a minimum of 14 clubs would need to vote yes for the rule change to pass.
Chris Sutton makes his scoreline prediction for Liverpool v Wolves
BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has predicted Liverpool to thrash Wolves 4-0 in their upcoming Premier League fixture on Sunday, May 19. This will be Jurgen Klopp's last game in charge of the Reds, ending a successful nine-year tenure at Anfield.
Liverpool's momentum has fizzled out in recent weeks, with the club winning just two out of their last five league games. Despite being out of the title race, they secured UEFA Champions League football for next season, and are currently third with 79 points from 37 games. In contrast, Wolves are in 13th place with 46 points, and have lost four of their last five league matches.
Sutton made his prediction, writing (via BBC Sport):
"I can only see one outcome here. Mohamed Salah to score, Liverpool to go out with a bang under Jurgen Klopp, and send him off with a smile. Wolves are not in great form, with only one win - and seven defeats - from their past 10 matches, and they have not been good enough as of late.
"They were the club who triggered the vote over the future of video assistant referees (VAR) this summer, and they have been wronged by it this season, but Gary O'Neil needs to focus on their performances rather than decisions that are out of their control."
He added:
"This game is all about Klopp and Liverpool, though. It is going to be an emotional day and I don't think there will be many dry eyes at Anfield - I'll be crying myself, even though I won't be there.
"Being serious though, I am gutted he is going because he is a brilliant manager and his departure is an enormous loss to the Premier League as well as to Liverpool."
Sutton's Prediction: 4-0