Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THERE have been calls for the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee in the domestic Premiership after yet another controversial incident in a high-profile match at Rufaro on Saturday.
It is estimated that the cost of a basic or temporary VAR system for one stadium ranges between US$65,000 and US$200,000, apart from match-day and operational expenses.
The costs can, however, be much higher than that for permanent systems integrated with extensive camera feeds and stadium upgrades.
The VAR system has been used in this country during the COSAFA Under-17 Qualifiers last year.
Referee Quedisani Dirwai found himself under the spotlight following the goalless draw between Scottland and MWOS at Rufaro.
His offence was failing to award a potential last-minute penalty to the visitors.
Goalkeeper Nelson Chadya appeared to foul the attacker, instead of getting the ball, inside the box.
The Scotts also claimed the goal, which sank them when they played Highlanders at Barbourfields, should also not have stood because they argue it was scored from an offside position.
Lloyd Mutasa was furious with the decision on the field but, in his post-match reaction with print journalists, he seemed a bit calmer.
“Football is an emotional game and, as coach, you will be playing as well.
“But we take what the officials say and we move on.
“The boys stuck to the plan. The pressure came but they showed character and refused to bow.
“That is a big positive for us going forward.”
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza said it was a difficult encounter.
“When games are tough like this and you create chances or half-chances, you need to bury them,” he said.
“That is something we failed to do. In the end, we have to take the positives from the game and focus on our next assignment.”
The big talking point at Rufaro on Saturday is not the first, and will not be the last, in the local Premiership.
So, will the authorities be able to move with the times any time soon?
If football is now business and all participants are required to be astute in their respective activities in this business then there mustn’t be room for mistakes because lives depend on it. If doctors or nurses mess up, the potential to put lives at risk are high and action is taken immediately. Referees cannot always be given the benefit of doubt. So where it is proven that the ref missed an incident, remedial action should be taken. Clubs are being unfairly treated depending on how popular they are. A lot of small clubs have been sacrificed hence big name teams dominate the league. In Scottland vs MOWS match on Saturday, it was a blatant disregard of rules by the ref to deny MOWS a penalty.
It makes sense to have four lines men, with the extra two on the far side of the goal to the nearest linesman. It makes great economic sense for the interim. However, what is perplexing about the incident is that the near side lady linesman did not raise her flag. I believe she chose not to. Because for us who depend on ztv we clearly saw that there was an infringement. This takes us back to the Chahwanda incident. How are football fans supposed to show their displeasure when taken for fools after parting with all that hard earned cash. I conclude that Dembare fans were not at fault. Missiles are a tradition for warning match handlers to behave. It happens at Barbourfields or Rufaro weekly without opposing fans attacking one another. Speaks volumes about the rabble in Kwekwe vaisaziva zvinoitika mubhora. Vatsva vanofunga ibhora rekusecondary. Anyways, we do not believe both ZIFA and PSL have a solution to poor officiating. Maybe, it’s not poor officiating but intentional.