Solari: We need more clarity to understand VAR'

VAR was introduced to La Liga at the start of this current season, and while it has been used to great effect in some cases, it has also caused wide controversy on many other occasions. The system has received widespread criticism from coaches across Spain, in particular from Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari, who has since called for more clarity over how decisions come to be under the new rules.

This past weekend, rivals Barcelona benefitted from a controversial VAR call, in which Luis Suarez was adjudged to not have fouled the Leganes keeper, in the build up to the side's second goal. In spite of replays showing otherwise, the subsquent goal was allowed to stand. This indeed proved to be a turning point in the contest, with Barcelona emerging 3-1 winners.

In a news conference ahead of 'Los Blancos' Copa del Rey quarter-final against Girona on Thursday, Solari strongly urged officials to come forward to explain the technology. He stated: "It's a system that all of football is delighted to have received but now we're all a bit confused by it. We all want it to be applied and applied well – the less we talk about VAR and referees, the better. What is confusing is the discretion in its application. It's the first year of it, and we hope that it can all improve and become more clear."

Solari added: "What we want is clarity and to understand it, nothing more. We were all delighted for the introduction of VAR and now there's confusion. It needs to be perfected and improved."