UK Prime Minister speaks out against VAR, jokes about campaigning against the technology

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has once again hit out at VAR, claiming the video review system is stripping football of its spontaneity. The Everton supporter even joked that scrapping the technology could become part of his next election manifesto.

"I've often felt that bigger clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United get decisions in their favour, whereas Everton don't enjoy the same treatment. I thought VAR would level the playing field, but in my view, it hasn't," Burnham said in an interview. He stressed that the issue is not just about controversial refereeing calls, but how the technology disrupts the matchday experience for fans in the stands.

"Football and going to a match is all about those moments when the ball hits the back of the net and everyone celebrates. But then a VAR check begins. You might accept that if the system actually got the decisions right, but it doesn't," he added.

Asked whether he would use his platform to banish VAR, Burnham joked: "Now you're giving me ideas. You're writing my next manifesto already." A lifelong Evertonian who held a season ticket last term, Burnham believes the rollout of the technology has failed to remove the feeling of unequal treatment between clubs, while simultaneously robbing supporters of the raw, instant joy of celebrating a goal.