VAR brought into fans’ homes as Portuguese TV channel attempts to increase understanding about new technology
SPORT TV is launching programme entitled 'Juizo Final' — 'Final Decision' — to help public understand system better
A PORTUGUESE TV channel is attempting to bring the Video Assistant Referee technology into viewers' homes for the first time.
SPORT TV is launching a programmed named "Juizo Final" — which translates into English as "Final Decision" — where it will broadcast images after each round of fixtures.
The idea behind it is to get fans more involved with VAR and to help the public better understand the technology.
Video refs are in place to give officials extra help when making key decisions on the pitch, but several decisions have caused confusion in various countries. And fans have often been left in the dark.
But this move will allow supporters in Portugal to analyse exclusive images of goals, fouls and other key moments from all angles — and with all possible replays .
The pictures will then be scrutinised by experts including former Portuguese referee Pedro Henriques and Brazilian Arnaldo Cezar Coelho, who was the first non-European to referee a World Cup final in 1982.
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SPORT TV CEO Nuno Ferreira Pires explained: "SPORT TV wanted to clearly show its contribution to this system and the sport, becoming the first television station in the world to invest in this technology.
"We wanted to allow the fans to form a more sustained opinion, based on facts, always keeping in mind the official rules of football that lead to the final decisions.
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"The VAR is a huge step for the sector of sports, and, in particular, football, and SPORT TV is proud to innovate in an area of unequivocal strategic interest."
In a recent match between Aves and Boavista, a blatantly offside goal was given as the the use of VAR was impeded due to fans blocking the view with a huge flag.