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VAR at World Cup 'not fit for purpose' as Gary Neville calls for Fifa to work with broadcasters

Gary Neville has called for broadcasting companies to work with VAR after Harry Kane was denied two clear penalties against Tunisia.

VAR is in use at the World Cup for the first time but left England angry after their 2-1 win in Volgograd on Monday.

Kane, who scored both goals, was twice wrestled to the ground, rugby style, as he attempted to get on the end of corners, but Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan failed to blow his whistle and was not invited to review his decisions by VAR. By contrast, Tunisia’s equaliser came from a disputed penalty, with Kyle Walker ruled to have committed a foul, that was not reviewed.

VAR comprises a team of four officials based in a studio away from the stadium. England were puzzled by how it was deployed but Neville, who thinks the system is “not fit for purpose”, expressed sympathy with those watching the replays.

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The former England right-back and coach tweeted: “VAR going wrong isn’t down to VAR officials. [They have to wade] through 26 angles and make a call in maybe 20 seconds!

“To give you an idea, television companies will have 14 experienced people doing the same job to get replays inside 20 seconds. It’s an impossible ask! If we want accuracy then it comes down to two things. Either give the VAR refs more time and accept the delay or the broadcasters have to be working with the VAR officials!

“It’s a talent and skill of up to 14 experienced operators who have been doing it for a good length of time who get those angles in!! It’s not magic.”

Before its use in the tournament, VAR had caused controversy in the FA Cup, with many managers, notably Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, expressing doubts about it.