Former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd believes VAR should include players who have played the game, after Vladimir Coufal’s challenge on Jean-Ricner Bellegarde went unpunished.
Wolves were comfortably beaten 3-0 on Sunday at the London Stadium.
However, there was controversy when Coufal clattered into Bellegarde just before half-time.
The Czech Republic international caught Bellegarde in the face with his elbow, a move described as ‘WWE stuff’ by Sky Sports pundit Daniel Sturridge.
Roy Keane also felt that Coufal was a ‘lucky boy’ to stay on the field.
The challenge enraged Ian Wright on Match of the Day 2, with the former striker branding him/it ‘pathetic’.
Now, Bothroyd has made an accusation against Coufal and has also called for change following the incident…
Jay Bothroyd says Coufal elbow was intentional as he calls for former players on VAR
The elbow from Coufal has drawn quite a big reaction.
Many people fail to understand how the referee and VAR did not deem the vicious challenge serious foul play.
It was an obvious red card, and the failure to send Coufal off in the first-half was shocking.
In the second-half, Coufal was then able to plant another terrible challenge on the same player, for which he was finally booked. He was then substituted off.
Ex-Wolves striker Bothroyd was shocked by the decision of the officials, and believes it is now high time for former players to make up VAR teams. He said (Sky Sports): “I think a former player would understand that Coufal’s challenge is very intentional.
“For me, a former player would help with decisions going forward.
“Maybe not for offsides but for tackles. if you’ve played the game, you’d understand if someone has intentionally tried to hurt someone.”
Something has got to change
It was truly a nasty and cowardly challenge from Coufal, who should have instantly been sent off.
It was incredible that the officials Chris Kavanagh and Jarred Gillett did not conclude that it was serious foul play. Questions must especially be asked of Gillett, who could obviously watch replays of the incident as the VAR.
Bothroyd is right to suggest that former players need to make up VAR teams.
Things cannot stay as they currently are, and the introduction of former players could well increase the standards of officiating.