Thai newspaper says VAR consumes too much time in ASEAN Cup

In the article, Daily News pointed out five highlights from the match on Tuesday, praising coach Masatada Ishii’s squad rotation, the outstanding performances of midfielder Weerathep Pomphan and striker Suphanat Mueanta and the team’s fighting spirit. It also expressed confidence that the defending champions would “avoid a strong team” like Vietnam in the semifinals, with both teams expected to top their groups.

However, the newspaper also highlighted issues with the video assistant referee system.

“This is the first time we’ve seen VAR interfere with the referee’s decisions at the 2024 ASEAN Cup,” Daily News wrote. “In other matches, the main referee’s decisions stood unchallenged, but this game was an exception.”

During the match, the referee overturned his decisions in two key situations after VAR reviews.

In the 70th minute, midfielder Pansa Hemviboon scored with a header from a corner, making it 3-2 for Thailand. However, VAR intervened, prompting Bahraini referee Ismaeel Habib Ali to review a potential foul on the Singapore goalkeeper. After more than three minutes, the goal was disallowed due to a Thai player’s foul.

Later, in stoppage time, midfielder Peeradon Chamratsamee scored to give Thailand a 3-2 lead although the linesman was initially flagged for offside. VAR stepped in again, drawing lines to confirm that Chamratsamee was onside and the goal was allowed.

“The audience must have found it strange to wait five minutes for VAR to confirm the decision,” the newspaper added. “There were no slow-motion replays shown to the crowd, just the referee wearing a headset and standing still on the field. VAR truly mirrors the unpredictable nature of Southeast Asian football.”

The 2024 ASEAN Cup is the first edition of the tournament to use VAR in all matches, although it lacks semi-automated offside technology. The time VAR took to decide Peeradon’s goal exceeded the average, with the Thai newspaper emphasizing that while the system worked in Thailand’s favor, the delays were too long.

VAR’s inconsistency has drawn attention in other matches as well. In Vietnam’s 1-0 win over Indonesia on Sunday, VAR did not intervene in controversial situations, including a potential penalty involving defender Ho Tan Tai.

Thailand’s victory secured their spot in the semi-finals and guaranteed them the top position in Group A. Vietnam are also expected to top Group B if they defeat the Philippines in the match on Wednesday night in Manila.