Carrick expresses faith in VAR despite derby controversy
Michael Carrick, manager of Middlesbrough, has publicly stated his support for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology even though a decision involving the system during a recent derby went against his side. The comments reflect the ongoing debate around VAR's role in English football, where high-profile errors continue to fuel criticism from managers, players and fans. Carrick's measured stance suggests he views VAR as a net positive for the game despite acknowledging its imperfections.
Read the full story at bbc.co.ukCarrick's defence of VAR carries weight because it comes from a manager whose team was directly affected by a costly derby mistake, lending credibility to the view that the technology, while flawed, remains a necessary tool. Coming from a Championship dugout, his comments add to a growing chorus of EFL voices weighing in on how VAR is implemented at that level, where the stakes of incorrect decisions can define a season. The episode underscores how derby results — already emotionally charged — are now inseparable from conversations about officiating standards and the broader push for consistency across English football's professional tiers.
Context added by Socc360, not by bbc.co.uk.
Data source: bbc.co.uk (via Socc360). Last updated .
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