Turpin and VAR, is there a problem?

The controversies observed in recent weeks have forced the director of arbitration, Antony Gautier, to come out of his reserve.

The use of video assistance in Ligue 1 is subject to controversy and controversy, particularly this season. While French arbitration is in the midst of a crisis, against a backdrop of the dismissal of the head of the professional sector Stéphane Lannoy, its director Antony Gautier wanted to clarify the debate this Monday in the pages of L'Equipe.

“ There were indeed some misuses of video assistance where the final decision did not correspond to that technically expectedrecognizes the boss of arbitration in France. This is not unique to the 2023-2024 season. There have always been situations that resulted in decisions that were little or not understood. » And to qualify however: “ When you look at the obvious errors fixed (74%), it's impossible to say that video assistance doesn't work. What is true is that there are sources of improvement. But we will never achieve 100% success, because the laws of the game will not allow it. Even with VAR, we will not be able to achieve zero errors… »

Four hammered directives

Symbol of the tensions observed in recent weeks, Clément Turpin, long considered the reference for French officials, is not a problem for Antony Gautier. “ I have read and heard the comments. The protocol is the same regardless of the refereeshe assures when mentioning the video referees not daring to contradict the decisions of Clément Turpin. What should guide video referees is the quest for performance. I am not in the head of each video referee, but the speech given to them is clear. »

In order to further clarify the instructions given to the referees, Antony Gautier insists: “ I have set four main technical guidelines for the referees. 1. Top priority to take responsibility, without waiting for video assistance. 2. Support the progress of the meeting by promoting play and spectacle, with openness and availability to the actors. 3. Remain firm on the essentials (gross fouls, endangering an opponent, annihilating a goal action, etc.). 4. This is what's new: the use of video assistance for managerial purposes in particular moments. Two examples: in added time, if a penalty is whistled. Even if the referee is confident, it may be appropriate to move in front of the screen to confirm the decision. Likewise, if at the start of the match, a red card is shown, even if the referee has no doubts, he is authorized to move. The video assistance tool must be more authorized. It's an evolution. »

Finally, the French refereeing director says he is in favor of the sound system for referees on the field. “ I am deeply convinced by the educational benefits that this sound system would bring, he said. The referees have been trained since the beginning of February. (…) When the LFP is ready and if it wishes, it will be done as soon as possible. By the end of the season if possible. Otherwise at the start of the next one. And potentially in Ligue 2. In the meantime, this will be done in the final of the men's Coupe de France. This will also be the case for the Women’s French Cup final. »