Bigscreens VARanswer toproblems
REFEREE bosses want to use big screens in stadiums in an attempt to help solve the VAR shambles.
Premier League and FA bosses want to use that as the next step after the fallout from Saturday’s farce at Anfield.
West Brom’s FA Cup win at Liverpool was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding referee Craig Pawson and Video Assistant Referee Andrew Marriner.
Their mix-up left fans in the stadium confused and in the dark and now the PGMOL – Professional Game Match Officials Limited – and FA will look to utilise big screens.
They will let the crowd know a VAR review is taking place as one of the biggest complaints from Anfield was the lack of information.
The VAR system will provide a “slide” to all clubs which can be shown on big screens that a VAR is taking place.
They are also not ruling out in the future the possibility of showing what the VAR has seen so fans can watch the replays of the key incident.
Currently, only TV viewers can see what was reviewed as the VAR experiment is used this season in the FA and League Cups before potentially being rolled out in the Premier League next season.
There was also fallout from Anfield over the way Pawson hesitated in making key calls and he may face questions about his indecision during the game.
Former top referee Keith Hackett insists big screens are crucial to making VAR work.
Hackett said: “Spectators in the stadium must be made aware a VAR review is taking place.”