Fans online have all made the same complaint after a huge new change was announced for this season’s FA Cup.
The FA Cup third round takes centre stage from January 9 to January 13, with blockbuster fixtures scheduled up and down the country.
Arsenal host holders Manchester United in the tie of the round while Manchester City entertain Salford City.
Tamworth meet Premier League side Tottenham and Harrogate Town travel to Leeds United.
And ahead of the fixtures taking place next month, the FA have revealed that VAR will only be used from the fifth round onwards.
So, VAR will not be in operation for the third and fourth rounds.
A statement read: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.
“It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.
“VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.
“This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”
VAR will be introduced from the fifth round of this season’s FA Cup. Image: Getty
People on social media were quick to react as they made their feelings clear.
They believe VAR should be left out altogether rather than introduced halfway through the competition.
One X user wrote: “Just keep it out. VAR is ruining football.”
A second tweeted: “Scrap it completely. How can a competition be fair when it’s only applied to certain matches???”
A third added: “Leave it out all together or start with it as well.”
A fourth said: “Leave it out the competition doesn’t need it!!!”
Another fumed: “Just do away with the rubbish for goodness sake. Ruining the great game.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: FA Cup, Fan Reactions, Football