Leicester manager Enzo Maresca calls for VAR to be introduced in the Championship – and insists technology is ‘better for the game’ despite its lack of popularity in the Premier League
- Leicester’s Enzo Maresca has had a problem with the referees after recent matches
- He believes VAR improves the game and should be introduced in the second level
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Enzo Maresca sent shivers down the spine of English football fans by calling for the introduction of VAR in the Championship.
Having worked on the coaching staff of West Ham and Manchester City, the Leicester boss has seen both sides of the coin and believes technology improves the game.
Yet many supporters in the second tier would reject VAR, with its interruptions and controversies. Maresca has a beef with the officials after the recent games in Ipswich and Coventry, where he felt major calls were made against the Championship leaders.
“It’s a bit of a mixed feeling,” he said. ‘When you see a goal in the Championship you can celebrate because you know nothing will happen to change it. Last year and in the years I used VAR, you are always waiting, waiting, because you don’t know if there is something (not to allow it).
“As far as the immediate response, yes, it’s more fun. Ultimately, though, you can see more things with VAR and it’s much better for the game.
Leicester manager Enzo Maresca has called for the introduction of VAR in the Championship
Maresca has had a problem with the referees after recent games in Ipswich and Coventry
The Foxes boss isn’t alone… Stevenage manager Steve Evans (above) said in October: ‘The EFL needs VAR as soon as possible because the officiating is not at the level it should be’
‘In Spain they have VAR in the second division, the same in Italy. We don’t have it here and I don’t know why. I think it helps.’
VAR has been used in the Football League play-off finals and in some Carabao Cup matches, but is still not included in regular matches in the Championship of Leagues One and Two.
Championship clubs considered whether to introduce a slimmed-down version of VAR this season, but decided against it due to the discontent it has caused in the top flight.
However, some EFL managers agree with Maresca. Stevenage boss Steve Evans said last October: ‘The EFL needs VAR as soon as possible because the refereeing is not at the level it should be.’