Inter midfielder Arturo Vidal has criticized the use of VAR after a challenge on him in the box went unpunished during Chile’s 0-1 loss to Brazil in a World Cup qualifier.
Speaking after the match, as reported by FCInterNews, the 34-year-old was critical of the officiating in which Chile were not given a penalty for a challenge on him by Brazilian midfielder Casemiro which he felt was a foul.
The match between Chile and Brazil was highly competitive, with a solitary goal from Brazilian forward Everton the difference between the two sides on the night.
However, Vidal believes that the outcome could have been different had the decision gone his team’s way regarding the challenge by Casemiro in Brazil’s penalty area.
The Inter man believes that on the night the referee did not spot the foul, and that VAR should have intervened to correct the error and give Chile what could have been a highly significant spot kick.
“Losing like this hurts,” the Inter midfielder said. “The difference was that they took advantage of the opportunity they had, while we didn’t. You can’t give anything to Brazil, otherwise they’ll punish you.”
He went on, “But we must also ask ourselves what VAR is for if it is not used on occasions like the challenge on me. I really don’t understand it.”
“And you also have to be careful when you speak, otherwise then they will fine you… So now we think about recovering in view of the next match against Ecuador,” were his closing words.
