Former Netherlands goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus has launched a scathing attack on the Video Assistant Referee system in the Eredivisie, warning that the current workings of the system invite competition falsification and calling for former professional players to take over the technology rooms.

Waterreus Slams Controversial VAR Decisions in Eredivisie

Writing in his column for De Limburger, Waterreus singled out several flashpoints from recent Eredivisie fixtures that left him questioning the integrity of the video review process. The former PSV Eindhoven and Rangers goalkeeper pointed specifically to the match between Telstar and Feyenoord, where referee Jeroen Manschot awarded Feyenoord a penalty converted by Sem Steijn following a supposed handball by a Telstar defender.

“U heeft het ongetwijfeld meekregen, afgelopen zaterdagavond tijdens de wedstrijd Telstar – Feyenoord. Daarin mocht Sem Steijn aanleggen voor een penalty, die in de verste verte geen penalty was,” Waterreus wrote in his column, highlighting that the incident was far from isolated. He added that the traditional powerhouse clubs have received the benefit of the doubt from officials in recent weeks, pointing to AZ receiving a favorable VAR ruling during their away match against Cambuur.

Frustration With Video Technology Mounts

Waterreus admitted that while he initially supported the introduction of the video assistant referee, his enthusiasm has completely evaporated. The former international stated that in moments of frustration, he wonders if professional football would be better off without the technology altogether, arguing that the game would be just as fair or unfair without it.

“Ik zeg u niets nieuws als ik vertel dat ik voorstander ben van de VAR. Maar de liefde ervoor is inmiddels danig bekoeld,” Waterreus noted, warning that the KNVB must act quickly to prevent further controversies.

Proposed Solution: Former Professionals in the VAR Room

To fix the recurring officiating disputes, Waterreus proposed staffing the VAR room exclusively with individuals who possess high-level playing experience. He argued that former professional footballers possess an innate understanding of the game’s dynamics that would lead to sharper, more accurate decisions.

Among those he suggested are former players such as Danny Koevermans and Geert den Ouden, both of whom currently officiate successfully in amateur football, alongside several of his colleagues at ESPN who have expressed a willingness to step into the role.

Clashing Opinions on Pitchside Officiating and Player Reactions

The debate over refereeing standards extended beyond Waterreus’s column, spilling into Dutch television broadcasts. According to FCUpdate.nl, analyst Bas Nijhuis strongly condemned remarks made by Telstar goalkeeper Ronald Koeman junior following the match against Feyenoord. Speaking on the television program Vandaag Inside, Nijhuis took issue with the goalkeeper’s post-match comments.

“Als ik dan zo’n Ronald Koeman junior hoor na de wedstrijd.. Die zegt gewoon: Manschot heeft ons weer genaaid,” Nijhuis said on Vandaag Inside, objecting to what he viewed as an attack on the integrity of referee Jeroen Manschot. “Dat zou betekenen dat Manschot dus Ronald Koeman junior bewust ‘naait’. Dat slaat toch helemaal nergens op.”

De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen offered a contrasting perspective during the broadcast, defending the young goalkeeper’s emotional reaction. Driessen argued that it is entirely logical for a player to feel aggrieved after believing he was penalized by the same official for a second time.

The KNVB has not yet announced any structural changes to the Eredivisie VAR protocol in response to Waterreus’s proposals.