Featured Image Credit: Getty / TNT Sports
Topics: Premier League, VAR, Football
Ryan Smart
The Premier League are set to implement a major change to VAR from next season following a series of controversies this season, according to reports.
VAR has been under the microscope in recent months, following an error in wrongly disallowing a Liverpool goal for offside against Tottenham in September.
There were then two separate incidents involving Arsenal, surrounding whether the ball went out of play before goals they conceded against Newcastle and West Ham. On both occasions, the goal stood.
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And question marks were raised over the decision not to award Liverpool a penalty against Arsenal for a perceived handball. Speaking on the 'Match Officials Mic'd Up' show, PGMOL chief Howard Webb confirmed that an error had been made.
Now, the Premier League are set to mirror other sports by bringing in a significant change to the VAR process.
That's according to the Daily Mail, who have reported that, from next season, referees will be able to explain their decision-making to supporters inside the ground during matches.
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That process is seen in cricket, where the third umpire communicates every step of their decision-making as part of the Dynamic Review System (DRS), to go along with the on-screen pictures.
Rugby union and league also do likewise, while the NFL operates an instant replay process whereby the referee works with on-field operators and replay officials to come to the correct decision.
The aforementioned 'Match Officials Mic'd Up' show has been lauded for allowing fans to hear the communications involved in VAR decisions, and giving a greater insight into the process behind each in-game call.
But the live aspect of those communications has still been missing from the Premier League - and the new change will no doubt appeal to the likes of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who has been heavily critical of VAR this season.