Radamel Falcao has warned the flawed Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has the potential to ‘kill’ football after it once again played a controversial role in a high-stakes match.
The technology, which will be implemented at the World Cup in Russia this summer, came under the spotlight in Saturday’s Coupe de la Ligue final for twice benefiting eventual winners PSG.
Edinson Cavani was given the chance to fire his side into the lead from the penalty spot after referee Clement Turpin awarded it on review before Falcao saw a potentially crucial goal — PSG were leading 2-0 — chalked off for a marginal offside.
Radamel Falcao was not happy with the role VAR played in Saturday’s Coupe de la Ligue final
‘It’s frustrating when in two cases where there has been VAR, it has served to help PSG,’ he told reporters.
‘Sometimes, after looking at the images, nothing is clear and this kind of thing can kill football.
‘Reviewing the penalty lost four minutes and then four more for my goal. Tell me why the referee then only added two at the end of the game’
The VAR system was twice required to make key decisions as PSG beat Monaco 3-0
Referee Clement Turpin took several minutes to make each decision as the fans waited
The Parisians went on to lift the trophy for a fifth-straight season with a 3-0 win, but despite the scoreline suggesting total dominance, Falcao insists PSG needed ‘help’ from VAR to beat Monaco.
‘It’s amazing and frustrating but we’re leaving with our heads up because we have given everything,’ he continued.
‘PSG are very good but they needed the video referee to help them to beat us.’
The review system, which has also drawn plenty of criticism in England as well, was described as ‘sex without the pleasure’ by former France international Bixente Lizarazu after Saturday’s final.
Falcao thought he had fired Monaco back into the match before it was ruled out for offside
Kylian Mbappe (left) and Edinson Cavani celebrate after winning the final on Saturday
The 48-year-old told Telefoot: ‘VAR is a little like sex without pleasure. At the time of the fireworks, you are told to stop, that’s how I felt in the stadium.
‘Monaco fans are excited about Falcao’s goal, they are very happy and then we have to stop everything. It’s terrible, it’s very frustrating.
‘The fans do not participate in anything, it’s as if you’re not important. The supporter wants to participate in the show, but we are denied that.
‘We have to use the video better. It has to be explained to everyone, in the stadium and on television. We’re taking part in the same show.’
Paris Saint-Germain celebrate winning the Coupe de la Ligue after beating Monaco 3-0