Analysis of perceptions of Turkish fans of video-assistant-referees in elite soccer

Abstract

There has been considerable investment in the use of technology to ensure better accuracy of referees’ decisions in several areas of sports. Video-assistant-referee (VAR) system in football is one of them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fans’ opinions of VAR. A quantitative survey was conducted among 1019 football fans for their opinions on the effects of VAR on football. The final instrument used had five factors and 16 items. The construct validity of the 5-factor scale designed to measure the opinions of Turkish football fans on the VAR system, was examined using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Five effects of VAR on football was identified: four positive (competition, referee performance, justice, fair play) and one negative (passion killing). The results indicated that VAR increases the competitiveness between teams, helps referees feel less pressured due to the assistance of VAR and reduces the effect of human error. Fans believe that VAR brought justice and fair play to football, as VAR decision-making does not discriminate. The results of the study can help sports organisations present a better image of VAR after knowing positive and negative views of fans.