Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon is increasingly frustrated with VAR in Serie A. “It takes too long and it’s turning into water polo.”
The Bianconeri have experienced this more than any other side so far in this revolutionary season, as in two games they had two penalties awarded against them and one in favour.
Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon is increasingly frustrated with VAR in Serie A. “It takes too long and it’s turning into water polo.”
The Bianconeri have experienced this more than any other side so far in this revolutionary season, as in two games they had two penalties awarded against them and one in favour.
“You told us that VAR would be used in clear-cut incidents where there were mistakes, but now you are even checking the replays for a trodden toe or a finger in an ear. It’s no longer football that way, it’s turning into water polo,” Buffon told reporters in the mixed zone after a 4-2 win away to Genoa.
“It takes too long, as I didn’t even celebrate when we were awarded a penalty, because six minutes had passed.
“I am speaking as someone who represents a side that attacks a great deal and is often in the opposition penalty area: last season we had three penalties in our favour, but if it carries on like this, we’ll have 50.
“I’m happy with that as a Juventino, but it ruins the entertainment factor.”
There were major doubts about both penalty decisions at Marassi, because while Andrej Galabinov was fouled by Daniele Rugani, he was also offside and it wasn't spotted using VAR.
As for the penalty in Juve's favour, Mario Mandzukic arguably kicked the ball on to the defender's arm from point-blank range, so it could be considered involuntary.