Terry Hogg admitted to VG that VAR should have intervened and that Jeppe Andersen should have been shown a straight red card shortly after the challenge on Morten Bjorlo.
– After analyzing and speaking with all the participants, we concluded that there should have been a red card, says Terje Hauge, head of referees at the Norwegian Football Association.
He talks about the controversial situation in Saturday's local match between Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg 08, a match that ended in a 2-2 draw.
Hogg adds that VAR should also have recommended that the referee see the situation again on the screen. Jeppe Andersen clips Morten Bjorlo with his shoulder.
– Hits the opponent in the face with his shoulder and exposes him to danger. He also makes no sincere attempt to avoid this – he continues his run, even if the ball is played. It is a serious violation of the rules of the game, as we see it.
– Why didn't VAR intervene?
– This is a very good question, and we will spend a lot of time analyzing it.
However, he tries to explain the assessments made in the heat of the match.
– It is possible that the referee himself describes the situation to VAR, and that VAR also sees the images in this way, thus supporting the referee's decision on the pitch.
He points out that there are human evaluations that occur from time to time and must be done very quickly.
-Does this situation indicate that VAR is not working properly?
– No, if we look at the 240 matches played last year, and everything that has been played so far, VAR has worked very well, Hogg answers frankly.
– VAR works, repeat.
– Could Andersen get a tougher punishment now later?
– No, I doubt there will be reactions. The referee and VAR looked at it and assessed it at the time, so I don't think so.
He adds: – But others must take this into account.
Hogg says he had a long conversation with referee Sigurd Smehus Kringstad after the match.
– We agree that VAR should have shown a vision of the situation on the screen – and then most likely given the red card – We think he should have been in that situation.
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