Going out on a limb over VAR
THE Premier League is reportedly considering introducing new ‘limb-tracking technology’, developed by hawk-eye, to improve the accuracy of VAR decisions.
The technology has endured a rough opening 100 matches in the Premier League with lots of scrutiny for tight offside decisions.
Newcastle are one of only two clubs yet to have a decision overturned by VAR – although the rest of the league has seen plenty of controversial calls.
The mantra ‘give the benefit to the attacker’, has been placed well out of the window following VAR’s introduction, which has caused plenty of fan frustration this term.
With some decisions so tight and marginal, many have questioned the accuracy of the VAR decisions, with millimetres adjudging Son Heung-Min and Raheem Sterling offside this season, which received heavy backlash.
That concern is set to be addressed as, according to Sportsmail, Hawk-Eye, who developed goal-line technology and the review systems in cricket and tennis, are developing a new technology to aid these tight calls.
The new system will use multiple cameras which will allow VAR referees access to an automated offside line which will track the back foot of the last defender to rule whether an attack is offside when the ball is played or not.
As it stands, video referees construct a new offside line via the use of lines on existing replays whenever an incident is reviewed, creating lengthy and frustrating delays, as well as the potential for inaccuracies.
The new technology is designed solely to assist with offside calls, with Premier League referees chief Mike Riley being kept updated as it is developed.
This news comes after it was revealed the Premier League is set to meet in the coming month to review their policy on the use of on-field monitors.
Riley has strictly instructed referees not use the technology, at fear it could add even further delays to decision.
However, after a raft of controversial VAR decision over the weekend, there has been a mass outcry for this policy to be changed after the monitors were successfully used in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League.