Fans left irritated by first-ever VAR audio release after hearing the referees’ nicknames

Fans have outlined the worst part about hearing VAR audio clips for the first time.

On Monday night, PGMOL chief Howard Webb joined Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville on Sky Sports as audio clips from VAR were broadcast to the nation for the first time.

Fans were given a rare insight into how officials communicated with each other during the decision-making process.

Whilst many people felt the segment was useful and educational, some fans couldn’t get their heads around the fact that the officials referred to each other by their nicknames.

For example, Anthony Taylor was called ‘Tayls’, Chris Kavanagh ‘Kav’ whilst linesman Scott Ledger was referred to as ‘Ledge’.

Fans were quick to react on social media.

One said: “Worst part about this VAR chat is them calling Anthony Taylor ‘Tayls’.”

Another tweeted: “Of course they refer to each other as ‘Kav’ and ‘Tayls’ ffs.”

A third fan added: “Cannot abide by Antony Taylor being referred to as 'Tayls',” while a fourth wrote: “Didn’t think it showed VAR in a great light personally. Too much familiarity, Tayls, Ledge etc.”

Someone else wrote: “Brilliant insight this, although it's probably done even more damage to the sport to find out the other officials call Anthony Taylor ‘Tayls.’”

Whilst a fifth commented: “This VAR segment is actually good but these nicknames are making me cringe!!”

A fascinating never-heard before conversation between officials regarding Kai Havertz's disallowed goal for Chelsea 👇 pic.twitter.com/fKZw0MWjDR

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 15, 2023

Webb has hinted that more VAR clips could be made available to the public in the future.

He said: “We're looking to do this [release audio] as much as we possibly can.

“Tonight is obviously something new. We're making a small step forward. Going forward into next season we will look to do more of the same.”

Webb continued: “We can't play it live, Fifa don't allow us to play it out during the game - who knows where that might go in the future - but there is nothing to stop us showing that information later.”