Liam Cooper gives VAR verdict as Premier League debate rages on - YEP 9/10/21
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper admits VAR will "never be perfect" - though prefers to be with the technology than without it.
By Joe Urquhart
The Whites skipper has been on the receiving end of a number
of decisions involving the use of the video assistant since the club's
promotion to the Premier League.
Most notably his sending off at Manchester City last year
for a challenge on Gabriel Jesus, which split opinion after he won the ball but
followed through on the forward.
United have also seen a number of reviews - or lack of
reviews - go against them this season, most recently winger Dan James saw two
penalty claims turned down against Watford and Newcastle United respectively.
VAR has caused debate among English football supporters since
its introduction in the 2019/20 campaign over whether it adds or takes away
from the game.
Leeds have benefited both ways following the step up from
the Championship over a year ago, though have seen moments of euphoria
cancelled out after premature celebrations like every other team in the top
flight.
Cooper - who is currently away with Scotland on
international duty over the October break from domestic action - was asked if
the technology would enhance the top flight north of the border, as the Scottish
Premiership decides whether to introduce it.
“I think it adds to it,” Cooper told the Scottish media. “As
professionals we all crave the right results, and the right outcome.
“I have had a couple [of VAR decisions] myself. Obviously
the penalty [vs Everton], having seen it back it probably was a penalty but
there was definitely two players at it.
"I was sent off away at Man City last year because of
VAR but on my behalf I won the ball and came into contact with (Gabriel) Jesus
afterwards. I am not sure how you stop momentum when you go and win a tackle.
“But these things are never going to be perfect. Like I
said, we all crave the right decision. More times than not VAR does that. It is
just hard to get used to at the start. I think everyone would welcome better
decisions in the game.
“We have been on the receiving end of a fair few bad calls,
penalties not given to us and things like that. I am a big believer in them
evening themselves out. Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t. We move
on.”
Asked about VAR taking some of the spontaneity away from
goal celebrations for players and supporters, he said: "It does, yes, but
if you want to get to the right decision sometimes you have to put that on the
back burner.