Alan Shearer Blasts VAR for Ruining Refereeing Standards – “The Worst We’ve Seen for a Long Time”
Former Newcastle and England Striker Says Officials Are Too Reliant on Technology, Leading to Declining Quality and Inconsistency – Latest Controversy in Bournemouth vs Manchester United Draw
Legendary Premier League goalscorer Alan Shearer has launched a scathing attack on the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee), claiming it has driven refereeing standards to “the worst we have seen for a long time” and that the situation is “only getting worse.”
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Newcastle United and England captain argued that referees have become overly dependent on the technology, which he believes is actively harming the quality of officiating.
“They [referees] are too reliant on it and it’s affecting the standard of refereeing now, and it’s not a good look,” Shearer said.
He described the current state of decision-making as poor and worsening, suggesting that VAR has undermined referees’ natural authority and instinct on the pitch.
Latest Flashpoint: Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United
Shearer’s comments come hot on the heels of yet another VAR-dominated weekend controversy during Friday night’s 2-2 draw between Bournemouth and Manchester United at the Vitality Stadium.
With United leading 2-1 and just 10 minutes remaining, defender Harry Maguire was shown a red card for pulling back Bournemouth forward Evanilson inside the penalty area. The decision sparked immediate fury from United, who felt the call was inconsistent with similar incidents earlier in the match.
Manchester United have confirmed they will lodge a formal complaint with PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), the body responsible for refereeing in English professional football, over what they describe as “clear inconsistency” in the officiating.
The late penalty and Maguire’s dismissal allowed Bournemouth to equalise and salvage a point, further fuelling the ongoing debate about VAR’s implementation, decision thresholds, and its impact on the flow and enjoyment of the game.
Broader VAR Debate
Shearer’s intervention adds significant weight to growing criticism from players, managers, pundits, and fans. Common complaints include:
- Over-reliance on slow-motion replays that remove context from real-time incidents
- Inconsistent application of rules (especially handball, red-card offences, and subjective calls)
- Long delays disrupting match momentum
- Erosion of on-field referee authority
The Premier League introduced VAR in the 2019–20 season with the aim of “minimum interference, maximum accuracy,” but many argue it has failed to deliver consistency and has instead created new frustrations.
Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer with 260 goals, is one of the most respected voices in English football. His blunt assessment is likely to intensify calls for a major review of VAR protocols ahead of next season.
The debate shows no signs of slowing down — weekends in the Premier League continue to be dominated by refereeing controversies rather than the football itself.
