According to Howard Webb, there may be a significant VAR adjustment coming to the Premier League.
A major VAR change is on the horizon in the Premier League. (Image: Getty)
According to PGMOL chief Howard Webb, Premier League referees will soon begin using stadium PA systems to explain their decision-making process when it is modified following a VAR intervention. After visiting the pitchside monitor, officials will soon be able to clarify why an initial ruling has been overturned in order to better inform clubs and supporters.
This season, VAR has come under heavy fire for both mistakes and a lack of explanation, but the move in the right direction may soon address that problem.
Although it is not allowed to broadcast the live discussion between referees and VARs, football’s lawmakers, IFAB, have been testing what amounts to the next best thing for more than a year.
According to reports from January, the Premier League was planning to implement in-game public explanations for the upcoming season.
In the most recent edition of Match Officials Mic’d Up, Webb also confirmed that efforts were being made to enhance the fan experience by citing the 0-0 draw between Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion on April 3.
It does require improvement. It makes sense what’s going on when you listen to the clips from shows like these. Everything becomes clear,” Webb said to Michael Owen.
“After going to the screen, you’ll hear referee Andy Madley say, ‘I’m going to speak to Lewis Dunk to explain why the penalty he feels he should have isn’t going to happen because he fouled [Yoane] Wissa before that.’
We’re investigating methods to enhance the in-stadium encounter. One of the things you may have observed during FIFA competitions, such as the Women’s World Cup, is the referee’s announcements after they have reached the screen. We are examining that.
“We’re keeping an open mind regarding the possibility of using that in the Premier League.
“For situations like this, it would be really useful for the referee to be able to speak to all of the people in the stadium – [to explain] the rationale for why you didn’t give a penalty because of the foul that happened before the penalty appeal when Dunk fouled Wissa.”
Following their contentious 2-0 loss to Everton earlier this month, Nottingham Forest’s annoyance with the decisions made by the referees reached a breaking point.
With a shocking social media post, the City Ground team took aim at PGMOL and disclosed that they were uncomfortable with Stuart Attwell, a relegation rival Luton Town supporter, serving as the VAR.
Since then, Webb has acknowledged that Forest felt they should have been awarded three penalties at Goodison Park, and that one of those penalties was wrongfully denied when Ashley Young tackled Callum Hudson-Odoi.
It appears that PGMOL will soon implement a change that is much needed and will hopefully reduce confusion among players, clubs, and supporters.
