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Premier League Consider Change To VAR To Help Fans Understand Decisions

Premier League Consider Change To VAR To Help Fans Understand Decisions

The video assistant referee system has come in for a lot of criticism this season and lawmakers are to look at ways to make it better.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

VAR could be alerted to allow fans in the stadium and at home to hear what is going on between referees on the pitch and officials in Stockley Park to make decisions.

The first season of VAR in the Premier League has been far from a success with fans, players and managers all left confused and frustrated by a number of decisions and the way the decisions have been reached.

That could change next season though. According to Sky Sports, 'lawmakers' are due to discuss the possibility of the audio between on field referees and the assistants watching the replays being played in the ground, as in rugby union.

The move would mean viewers, both at the ground and at home, could listen to what was being said at Stockley Park and thus understand why decisions have been made.

Leaving the crowd completely out of the loop has been one of the biggest frustrations of the systems, with fans left waiting in the stands whilst those at home at least get to see what's happening on the screen.

Speaking to Sky Sports about VAR, former referee David Elleray said, "I think most people would say that it hasn't been a howling success [in English football].

"But many lessons have been learned and those lessons will be put into place next year. I think we've been aware, over the last four years or so, of VAR that any competition that has started using it, it hasn't always gone well at the beginning. They've adjusted, they've modified."

Everton saw their last minute winner overturned by VAR. Image: PA Images
Everton saw their last minute winner overturned by VAR. Image: PA Images

Some will think that the audio doesn't go far enough and will want to see the replays being shown on the screens whilst the decision is made.

If that were to be brought in then Manchester United and Liverpool would need to install screens as neither Old Trafford or Anfield currently has them, the only two current sides in the league to have that issue.

Do you think being able to hear the audio will improve VAR?

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Topics: Manchester City, Spurs, Liverpool, Football News, Chelsea, Manchester United, Referees, Premier League, Everton, Arsenal, VAR