Russia 2018: Clattenburg slams VAR shambles in Portugal, Iran’s draw

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg questioned the decision to give the spot kick

Mark Clattenburg has slammed the use of VAR during Portugal’s draw with Iran and suggested that the use of it has become an ‘over-reaction’.

The video assistant referee system was introduced on the international stage for the World Cup in Russia and has been a mitigated success throughout much of the tournament.

But Monday night’s game saw a series of controversial decisions late on in the game that came about through VAR.

There was an extended period in which a seemingly innocuous challenge by Cristiano Ronaldo was reviewed before he was given a yellow card.

Iran were awarded a penalty after the ball hit Cedric’s arm in Monday’s game against Portugal

And then a contentious penalty was eventually awarded to Iran by referee Enrique Caceres after a debatable handball from Cedric that could have turned the game.

ALSO READ: Russia 2018: Ronaldo elbow deserved a red card ―Iran coach

Former Premier League referee Clattenburg, who also officiated the Euro 2016 final, believes that the initial remit of ‘clear and obvious’ errors is being ignored.

He said: “I actually think VAR was having a good tournament – until Monday night, when it was utter chaos. If you look at the Cristiano Ronaldo arm incident, I was absolutely baffled.

“Obviously, it wasn’t a sending off, but why was it even referred? It certainly wasn’t a clear and obvious error, which VAR is supposed to be used for. Then there’s the Iran penalty which was an absolutely shambles.

The decision was referred to the video assistant referee and then the referee gave a penalty

“I just don’t get it – it’s not handball, the ref had a clear view, and made the right decision.

“It shouldn’t have been reviewed or turned over. Nobody even appealed – I’m flabbergasted!

ALSO READ: Russia 2018: Will Eagles retire Messi like Maradona?

“It makes me wonder whether FIFA is changing the approach, and are asking for more reviews for the referees, because that incident shouldn’t have gone to VAR based on the pre-tournament directives.

“Especially when you compare it to the two incidents in the England vs Tunisia game, which were really bad decisions that should’ve obviously been overturned.

“It feels like going to VAR has become an over-reaction now. The tolerance for ‘clear and obvious’ error has changed.”