Fans Demand Premier League Copy VAR Process From A-League

Fans are asking for the Premier League to take a leaf out of the Australian A-League's book when it comes to VAR.

In March 2019, Jarred Gillett was mic'd up for his final match in the Australian top tier before leaving for the Championship and it proved fascinating for viewers watching.

The referee, 32 at the time, took charge of Melbourne Victory's game against Brisbane Roar in what was his 159th match in the A-League.

All of his conversations with players and officials could be heard throughout, giving a unique insight into his relationship with the players but also providing further clarity as to why certain decisions had been made.

BT Sport, who broadcasted the fixture, posted footage of Gillett's last game and it promptly went viral.

One incident that fans enjoyed being allowed access to was a tight offside call in the second half.

At first we hear Gillett consulting with his linesman and they decided to give the goal and review it. The man in the middle then speaks to Kris Griffiths-Jones, who was manning the VAR for the match.

The pair were both in agreement that the right call was made and that the defender played the ball, but Gillett asked the VAR official if he ought to "come and have a look to sell it?".

He proceeded to have a look at the VAR screen to confirm his decision was accurate and we then hear him give an explanation to Matty McKay of Brisbane Roar as to why the goal was legitimate.

Those who watch Premier League football are keen for the chiefs to implement this sort of process, with the Australian VAR clip resurfacing after two controversial calls this weekend.

First there was Lee Mason's decision to disallow, allow and then disallow Lewis Dunk's quick free-kick for Brighton against West Brom, then followed by Manchester United being denied a penalty for a Callum Hudson-Odoi handball a day later against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

At the moment, only broadcasters can hear the dialogue between officials in the Premier League - not those watching at home.

Topics: Football, Referees, Premier League, VAR

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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