Football fans have used to discuss the use of technology in the game in recent years – but in the fourth round of the FA Cup, its absence has provided a common discussion subject.
With the technology of the assistant video referee only used from the fifth round this season, there have been a number of controversial incidents to dissect.
Some loved the absence of Var, like Brighton’s boss, Fabian Hurzeler, whose team could have had their winner against Chelsea was rejected for a Tariq Lamptey handball.
“But that’s it. This is football,” he told BBC Sport. “With Var, football does not become so emotional as it was today.
“Everyone agrees with me that today was a good atmosphere. You can celebrate a goal because you are sure that it is a goal. I’m glad it is like that.”
Some were less convinced, including his counterpart from Chelsea Enzo Maresca – whose team could still be in the FA Cup with Var.
“I think that handball is quite clear. In the last two or three days, there have been many different moments in different games which, without Var, are sometimes more complicated,” said Maresca.
However, he added: “Sometimes, even with Var, you never know if that (will be given as) handball or not. I don’t know. This season, we have seen as many Hands balls and that the Var was not there. “
Even the boss of Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, admitted that the late Dramatic winner of Harry Maguire against Leicester City during the first equality of the round on Friday was offside and should not have been held.
There have been several other high -level incidents in Saturday matches, and there are still five games to play over the next three days.
So what’s going on with Var in the FA Cup-and why?