VAR 'utter chaos' on Monday night - Clattenburg

VAR has been possibly the most controversial thing about this World Cup so far, after FIFA decided to introduce it for the first time in its biggest major tournament.

The technology was introduced to ensure that serious errors by on-field officials were avoided, and so far in the tournament that has not always been the case according to the man who refereed the Euro 2016 final.

Clattenburg revealed his thoughts on the issue to Paddy Power News: "I actually think VAR was having a good tournament – until Monday night, when it was utter chaos. If you look at the Cristiano Ronaldo arm incident, I was absolutely baffled. 

"Obviously, it wasn’t a sending off, but why was it even referred? It certainly wasn’t a clear and obvious error, which VAR is supposed to be used for. Then there’s the Iran penalty which was an absolutely shambles. 

"I just don’t get it – it’s not handball, the ref had a clear view, and made the right decision. 

"It shouldn’t have been reviewed or turned over. Nobody even appealed – I’m flabbergasted!"

While the incident involving Ronaldo was a minor one, the ex-official beleives that it shows a great inconsistency in the use of the technology, and that it will become over-used over time, and thinks FIFA needs to be clearer about when it is appropriate to refer a decision to the VAR.

"It feels like going to VAR has become an over-reaction now. The tolerance for ‘clear and obvious’ error has changed."