VAR is a hot topic at the moment and rightly so.
For years, a lot of us have been calling out for this kind of technology to be introduced to football games. I think a lot of it was borne out of frustration when things didn't go our way.
For example, if our team scored a goal that was incorrectly ruled offside, we'd rightly be annoyed. More than just the instant grievance, though, this kind of mistake can be the difference between winning a title or not, being relegated or not.
With that in mind, the introduction of VAR should be something that football fans around the world are happy to see. Offside goals are a thing of the past, handballs in the penalty area are quickly punished, and we can finally cut out diving to win penalties.
Yet, there is something about VAR that stinks, and I say that as someone who was championing its introduction for years.
My first real experience of VAR was during an FA Cup game between Liverpool and West Brom back in January 2018. The game was one of a few that were being used as a test for the changes that were planned to be implemented into future seasons.
I don't remember much of the game itself but the overriding memory I have of that afternoon was standing in Anfield's Lower Centenary stand feeling very confused about what was going on. It's fair to say that the video assistant referee played a massive role in that game and it wasn't a smooth as I'd once hoped it would be.
Of course, VAR did its intended job. It helped referee Craig Pawson to rule out a West Brom goal, award Liverpool a penalty, and confirm that West Brom's third goal didn't need to be wiped from the scoreboard.
I can forgive VAR for my confusion because the initial test didn't involve any form of a screening of the incidents into the stands. Supporters of both clubs were left anxiously waiting as the referee strolled over to the replay monitors at the side of the pitch. In all honesty, it took far too long to make a decision, but I guess there was a pressure in the early stages to make sure everything was 100% correct.
Nevertheless, the main issue I had with VAR that day wasn't to do with the decisions themselves, but rather the negative impact the whole system had on football overall. The reason I spend thousands every season to go and support my team isn't only that I love the club. It's because I love the thrill of watching my team score, the roar of the fans within the stadium as the ball smashes into the back of the net, the jumping out of my seat, hugging strangers, nearly landing a few rows in front of my initial starting point. It's pure ecstasy to me and is something that simply cannot be replicated when watching on television.
The atmosphere is everything in a football stadium but VAR has taken the edge of celebrations. Elated cheers are now subdued as we all wait anxiously while the referee checks whether a goal is valid with the VAR team.
As West Brom scored their third against Liverpool in that FA Cup fixture, their away supporters burst into wild celebration, then anxious silence as VAR came into play, and then a rather subdued further celebration as the goal was confirmed. It was all very strange.
VAR is going to be introduced fully to the Premier League this coming season and I fear that it is going to be more of a hindrance to the game than many would hope. If you take the passion out of the crowd then you're left with something that resembles football but doesn't quite have the same beating heart.
I can't help but wonder where it ends. Will we soon see VAR being used to mark out exact points for a throw-in, checking every goal kick vs corner situation, and analysing every possible foul or dive around the pitch?
In the interest of balance, I do appreciate that it makes the game fairer. That's something that I've longed for when I've felt upset about a result that seems unfair. However, I can't help but feel that I'm going to yearn for the days when a bit of luck was also involved in decisions.
Referees don't always get it right, but is it worth correcting that when the alternative is a much less enjoyable experience? I can't answer that question yet, but I must admit that I am worried.