JUVENTUS GOALKEEPER GIANLUIGI Buffon is not a fan of using video assistant referees (VAR) in football and believes the technology is making Serie A matches akin to water polo.
The reigning champions finally benefited from the initiative, new to Italy’s top flight this season, as Paulo Dybala netted the second goal of his hat-trick from the penalty spot in Saturday’s 4-2 comeback win at Genoa.
The hosts went 2-0 up after Andrej Galabinov converted a VAR-awarded penalty, while last weekend Buffon was forced to keep out a spot kick from Cagliari captain Diego Farias that was awarded on review before Massimiliano Allegri’s men closed out a 3-0 win.
Buffon’s main criticism of VAR centres around the regularity of its use and fears the flow of matches is being unduly interrupted.
“You told us that VAR would be used in clear-cut incidents where there were mistakes, but now you are even checking the replays for a trodden toe or a finger in an ear,” the veteran Italy international told reporters.
“It’s no longer football… it’s turning into water polo.
“It takes too long. I didn’t celebrate when we were awarded a penalty because six minutes had passed.
“I am speaking as someone who represents a side that attacks a great deal and is often in the opposition penalty area.
“Last season we had three penalties in our favour, but if it carries on like this, we’ll have 50.
“I’m happy with that as a Juventus player but it ruins the entertainment factor.”
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Was a very tough break as he was definitely well able to make birdie at the last for the play off but wasn’t really stolen from him to be fair. Straka played sensational golf when it counted from 14
@Anthony Ryan: Lowrys 3rd shot just wasn’t good enough when Strakas 2nd was. Lowry was amazing all day but Straka deserved it for me.
@Gary O’Rourke: don’t know if you have ever tried taking a golf shot during a Florida down pour but I am going to guess you haven’t . Lowry rushed but unlucky timing without a doubt . Straka got a drive away that Lowry didn’t have a chance to as the down pour had started in between their tee shots . Straka was brilliant and deserved it but luck also played a part no doubt about it .
Unfortunately had a poor tee shot on 18, otherwise flawless. Love Lowry, a class act. Superb weekend’s play.
Who doesn’t love this man, I could only imagine the scenes if he wins at Augusta
@Cranesofdublin: I don’t. I used to but not anymore.
@Paul Kelleher: Why is that Paul ?
If this was McIlroy, there’d be lads on here saying he’s a choker.
@Eoin McCarthy: hardly the same situation. Lowry didn’t have one bogey while in the lead group in the final round on a tough course
With an $872,000 prize for second I think he’ll be okay.
@feargal de cantuin: they are professionals and winning is everything ! Ok, the money helps lessen the burden.
You can see he left the rain get to him emotionally even before tee shot” as in why me” it’s something he has to work on because it holds him back ,look it was a bad break but that’s golf
@Jem Mehmet: He could do with someone like you on board. He might make it in golf one day. Here’s hoping.
Used to be a huge fan of Lowrys but I just cant warm to him anymore. His comments re the Saudi golf situation just did it for me. Was watching him last night but not really rooting for him. I wanted to but I just couldn’t. Cant help but feel he got a little bit of Karma with the downpour. For him to say the tournament was ‘stolen’ from him was ridiculous. Straka scored -3 over the last 5 holes while Lowry stayed even par. The back 9 on Sunday is when it really counts and he didn’t perform well enough. Straka had 4 shots in the rain while Lowry had 5 and he moans about it. After missing out on the win I dont know how he is going to put food on the table. I suppose there is alwsys SA! Seamus, Rory and Murphy to name a few are the ones I’m shouting for from now on.
Unlucky Shane…keep at it, doing us proud.
the article isn’t correct. Lowry wasn’t forced to lay up because of the rain, he was forced to layup because he hit a terrible drive pulling it way left into heavy rough. Strake played the back 9 brilliantly and was deserved winner.
But sure Lowry will have his appearance fee from the Saudi International to put food on the table so he’ll be fine.