Absence of VAR in Championship is 'crazy' - Clement

Norwich City head coach Philippe Clement says it is "crazy" that there is no VAR in the Championship.

The Canaries boss opened his press conference before Saturday's trip to Millwall by listing about 70 countries , externalwhere the technology is used.

It comes after Norwich were beaten by West Bromwich Albion in controversial circumstances when Baggies' striker Aune Heggebo scored a goal with his hand in their 2-1 win at Carrow Road.

"I think there is no other way. It's clear, 81 different leagues are doing that [using VAR]." Clement told BBC Norfolk.

"It's crazy that it's not in the Championship. I get a lot of messages out of Europe also from friends and people I know from the world of football who are surprised.

"This clip [of Heggebo's goal] really went viral all over the world. They say, 'How is it possible there's no VAR in the Championship with all the budgets and ambitions there?'

"If at the end of the road you miss [out] by one point or three points because of these kinds of decisions, people will step out and say they will put their money into another league."

On Thursday, the Football Association banned West Brom's Heggebo for two matches over the incident, in which the FA alleged the striker deceived match officials.

The charge over a handball is believed to be the first of its kind in English football, following a rule change prior to the 2024-25 season.

Earlier this year, Championship clubs rejected the chance to introduce Football Video Support (FVS), a variation of VAR, for the 2026-27 campaign.

VAR is used in the second divisions in Spain, Italy and Germany. It was also due to be used in France's Ligue 2 before the move was scrapped on financial grounds.