Var stands by decision after Van Bommel tackle in Ajax-PSV: ‘I would do exactly the same thing today’

Video Assistant Referee Pol van Boekel stands by his decision not to intervene during a controversial tackle by Mark van Bommel on Ruben Bouwman in a match between Ajax and PSV. While the public and his supervisor, Raymond van Meenen, argued that the challenge warranted a straight red card, Van Boekel maintains he followed official criteria when he chose not to alert the referee. The incident left Bouwman with a bruised lung and sternum, sidelining him for a month.

Van Meenen publicly criticized the decision, stating that a red card should have been issued. Van Boekel expressed frustration regarding the lack of support from his supervisor and the subsequent media scrutiny. Despite the intense criticism, Van Boekel noted that the most difficult aspect of the aftermath has been the impact on his daughters, who have been targeted due to his profession. He continues to defend his analytical process during the match despite the differing perspective of his superiors.