Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has criticized the VAR procedure following his team’s recent loss to Manchester United in the Champions League. The Dutch coach was left frustrated after a controversial decision went against his side, ultimately leading to their defeat.
The incident in question occurred in the second half when Ajax were trailing 1-0. A potential handball by a United defender inside the penalty area was reviewed by the VAR, but the decision ultimately went in favor of the home team. This decision left ten Hag and his players visibly frustrated, as they felt that they were denied a clear penalty.
Speaking after the match, ten Hag expressed his disappointment with the VAR procedure, stating that it is not being used effectively to ensure fair play on the pitch. The manager argued that the technology should be used to correct clear and obvious errors, but that it is failing to do so in many cases.
“It’s frustrating to see the VAR being used in such a way that it hinders fair play,” ten Hag said. “We have seen too many instances where the technology is not being used correctly, and it is having a negative impact on the game. We need to see improvements in how the VAR is implemented to ensure that it serves its intended purpose.”
Despite the controversial decision, ten Hag praised his team’s performance and expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back from the defeat. He emphasized the need for his players to remain focused and continue working hard in order to achieve their goals this season.
As the debate over the use of VAR in football continues, it is clear that there are still issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure that the technology is used effectively and fairly. Erik ten Hag’s comments following the match serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done in order to improve the VAR procedure and prevent further controversial decisions from affecting the outcome of matches.