Premier League fans may finally understand why referees changed their minds after VAR intervened next season.
That’s according to PGMOL chief Howard Webb, who has proposed a major change to VAR by using the public address system in top-flight stadiums.
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As it stands, fans attending matches are unsure why referees change their decision after visiting the pitchside monitor.
The idea was proposed at the recent Premier League shareholders’ meeting and ex-official Webb, who officiated the 2010 World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands, discussed the proposal during the last edition of Match Officials Mic’d Up.
If the idea is approved, Webb said it would help fans better understand the process to avoid confusion.
However, explanations will not be broadcast over loudspeakers during VAR checks which do not result in the original decisions being overturned on the pitch.
Webb said: “This needs to be improved, right?
“When you hear the clips from shows like this, what’s happening makes sense, it all becomes obvious.
“You’ll hear the referee, Andy Madley, say on screen: ‘I’m going to speak to Lewis Dunk to explain why the penalty he thinks he should have won’t happen because he committed a foul.’ [Yoane] Wissa before that.
“We are looking at ways to improve the in-stadium experience.
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“One of the things you may have seen in FIFA tournaments, like the Women’s World Cup, are the referee’s announcements once they are on the screen.
“So we’re looking at that, we’re keeping an open mind as to whether it’s something we could use in the Premier League.
“It would be really helpful if the referee could talk to everyone in the stadium. [to explain] the justification.”
If the Premier League approves the new VAR change, it will likely be introduced in the next campaign.
