Arsene Wenger admits that while video assisted refereeing could really help the modern game when it comes to offsides, it could also slow it down.

With VAR to be used during Monday’s FA Cup clash, marking it’s first outing in competitive football in this country, Wenger once again spoke about how brilliant the new technology could be for the game.

However, he admits, if the referee is always dashing off to look at a television screen while the whole crowd sits there waiting, it could really slow things now.

“I believe it’s like every new technology,” the boss said. “I can be very positive. I’m always in favour of moving forward and therefore even if it creates problems I think it can solve many mistakes that have been made before.

“For example, the most obvious one, when you see Swansea against Tottenham, the offside goal would have been detected. So it can get many mistakes out of the game, especially the offsides.

“After, it depends how we use it. If it’s to give complete control to the central referee and they run can off the pitch and look at the television while the whole stadium sits there and freezes, I think it’s better to stay in the old system.

“So it can get better but we can make it worse.”

Arsene Wenger, with a finger to his chin, ponders what fourth official Anthony Taylor is saying during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on December 2, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal argues with the fourth official Anthony Taylor during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on December 2, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Wenger has always been outspoken about how he feels VAR could help football, especially when it comes to ‘yes’ or ‘no’ decisions such as offsides.

Just last week, the boss said, “It’s time. I don’t know why we want to be the best league in the world and we wait for such a long time and other leagues use it already.”

Introducing it for penalty calls, such as the ones Arsenal had given against then when they faced West Brom and Chelsea, will be a lot more complicated. However, at least having a video for the officials to refer to would still be helpful.

Just like goal line technology, having VAR won’t ruin the game. In fact, it’ll allow fans to enjoy it more since we’ll actually be able to concentrate on the football rather than sit there seething because Mike Dean gave another ridiculous penalty for a hand ball.