Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara says he hates modern football and believes VAR is damaging the game.
The use of video technology to assist referees has proved controversial in football, causing long delays while officials review footage before coming to a decision on goals and fouls.
Spain international Thiago, who is currently with his national team at Euro 2020, says he has always been against the use of VAR and feels it is an example of football losing its way.
“Coaches can communicate with us better, players can communicate with each other more,” the 30-year-old said, as quoted by the Guardian .
“You lose competitiveness but develop other aspects. Extra substitutions mean teams that defend, defend to the 90th minute; teams that press you, press you to the end.
“I have that ‘hate modern football’ mentality; I’m more classic in attitude. And then there’s VAR, which I’ve always opposed. It removes the essence, the picaresque.
“We make mistakes when we play, referees have to make mistakes too. Lots of mythical moments wouldn’t exist [with VAR]. And when you score, even a brilliant goal from the halfway line, you’re waiting. Thinking: ‘I hope there isn’t a foul in the build-up, I hope there’s no offside, I hope’.”