In a recent press conference, manager Steve Cooper addressed the contentious VAR decision that impacted his team’s performance. His candid remarks shed light on the frustrations surrounding the incident and the implications for the club moving forward.
Awful Human Error
Cooper expressed his disappointment, stating, “We’re over it now; it was an awful human error that we believe has been hidden a little bit.” He emphasized the gravity of the mistake, suggesting that it wasn’t just an isolated incident but a failure that affected the integrity of the game.
The Offside Controversy
The manager highlighted the evidence that contradicted the VAR decision. “We have seen different images that show he clearly was offside, but unfortunately they froze it at the wrong time and he was deemed to be onside,” Cooper explained. He insisted that the public narrative had been skewed by what he described as “false images.”
Transparency and Accountability
Cooper revealed that his team had presented clear footage to the Premier League, demonstrating that the game had been halted at an inappropriate moment. “Decisions go against you whether it’s in-game or VAR, and we’ve had a massive error go against us,” he said. The manager called for transparency, asserting that such errors should not be overlooked.
Moving Forward
In response to the incident, Cooper noted the importance of reform. “Errors like that shouldn’t happen, and it’s why we’re changing to the semi-automated system,” he said, stressing the need for accountability within the league. His remarks underscore a commitment to improving the VAR process for the sake of players and supporters alike.
Cooper’s statements reflect a growing frustration among managers regarding VAR decisions and their impact on teams. By addressing this issue publicly, he aims to hold the Premier League accountable while advocating for changes that could prevent similar errors in the future. As the league looks to adopt a semi-automated system, fans and players alike will hope for a more reliable and fair officiating process moving forward.