Former England striker Alan Shearer was among those to criticise the World Cup's VAR system after the technology played a starring role in second-half drama as Portugal's draw against Iran.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was consulted on numerous occasions in the 1-1 tie, most notably in the decision to award a penalty that Cristiano Ronaldo subsequently missed .
As a result, the game was subject to numerous interruptions as referee Enrique Caceres frequently requested VAR on his calls, which resulted in fragmented play and constant confusion.
Shearer was not amused by the stunted action and used colourful language to express his views on the technology that has got everyone talking in Russia afterwards on social media.
"Well that’s the closest I’ve been to swearing on live TV!" the ex-Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers striker joked after the final whistle.
"What I really wanted to say is that VAR is complete and utter bollocks!!"
Well that’s the closest I’ve been to swearing on live TV! What I really wanted to say is that VAR is complete and utter bollocks!!🤣🤣 #IranPortugal #VAR #RussiaWorldCup2018
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) 25 de junio de 2018
Not everybody was in agreement with the pundits views, however, with ex-Liverpool man Jon Arne Riise jumping in to defend the technology.
It’s the ref who makes the decisions at the end. VAR is great and is there to help the ref. Referee looked at the screen and made his decision. https://t.co/60wv08CYmS
— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) 25 de junio de 2018
Yes 🙈😂 But that’s the referees fault though. Poor decision I agree with you on that mate ⚽️ but it gave us a hell of a good night of football 😂 https://t.co/UvFeRIrhGp
— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) 25 de junio de 2018
Ref was poor. We all saw on the replays that for example it wasn’t a pen for Iran. Referee had other ideas apparently. But glad you didn’t swear on TV 🙈 https://t.co/B8afBDaRQV
— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) 25 de junio de 2018
Shearer also labelled the match a "farce" via Twitter, while even Portugal's Joao Mario admitted that the constant stopping and starting made it "difficult" for players.
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) 25 de junio de 2018
"This is difficult with VAR. There were a lot of interruptions, a lot of stops, but we are here to play," the midfielder told reporters.
"We gave our best and that is the most important thing."
Portugal's draw means they finish second in Group B , and therefore face Uruguay in the last 16 on Saturday. Spain, who scored late to draw 2-2 with Morocco, will face Russia after topping the group on goals scored.
