As a fan, Madley admitted that he dislikes VAR, citing its ability to take away the excitement and emotion from the game. He mentioned that in lower leagues, like the Championship and League One, the game is more straightforward, and goals are often awarded when they should be. This is not the case in the Premier League, where VAR reviews can lead to lengthy delays and uncertainty.

Madley also pointed out that the introduction of VAR was driven by the financial interests of football clubs and owners, rather than a genuine desire to improve the game. He believes that referees and players were initially hesitant to adopt the technology, but the decision-makers in football prioritized it due to the potential financial consequences of refereeing errors.

Madley reflected that the widespread adoption of VAR was predictable, and referees had anticipated the negative impact it would have on the game. He expressed concern that the technology has become a dominant force in football, altering the way the game is experienced by fans and players alike.