Austin’s petulant interview should not be seen as driver behind VAR introduction

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Charlie Austin’s post-match interview after Southampton’s 1-1 draw against Watford went viral and it’s easy to see why.

There are some things to like about it; Austin shows the passion that too many fans feel is lacking from too many of their club’s players in the modern game.

It’s also honest; players are media trained to within an inch of their life these days so Austin going rogue and saying what he really thinks is a refreshing change.

The Premier League have decided to introduce VAR from next season and Austin’s calls for the referees to be helped are seen by some as a driving factor behind that call.

For all the positive elements of Austin’s outburst, that’s where the problem lies. The debate over VAR is a complex one and if all it takes is one angry, petulant footballer to tip the balance on a decision that will have a long-lasting and wide-reaching impact on the game, then something’s up.

It also doesn’t help that Austin was slightly wide of the mark. Of course Southampton should have had a second goal but Watford should also have had a penalty, which would likely have seen Ryan Bertrand get a second yellow card if VAR was in operation.

Can VAR really iron out all these quirks of the game? It’s a debate that needs careful consideration; not to be decided after a footballer blows his top.