Webb: Video technology is a struggle for top referees

TOP-LEVEL officials are failing to understand how and when to use the video assistant referee according to Howard Webb, now a leading figure in the launch of the new technology. VARs are expected to be used in the FA Cup and League Cup next season and have been confirmed for the World Cup in Russia but the system received mixed reviews when it was used in England’s friendly defeat by France on Tuesday night. Referee Davide Massa awarded a penalty to England when Dele Alli was tripped by Raphael Varane. He appeared to be about to show the France centre back a yellow card but sent him off after consulting the video referee. In the first half, Raheem Sterling was brought down in the box but the referee allowed play to continue. Officials are under instruction to use VARs in only four key circumstances: when goals have been scored after a possible violation in the build-up; for penalty decisions; red cards; and mistaken identity. The International Football Association Board — football’s law-makers — ran their fourth VAR workshop earlier this month in Zurich. VAR project leader Webb, one of England’s most successful referees, said: ‘Training is a huge issue. We have referees who have been refereeing for a long time but we have to change the mindset from what they do on the field to how they can best benefit the game in their role as video assistant refereeing. We’re investing a lot of time, effort and money to have a positive impact on the game without interference.’ IFAB technical director David Elleray, a Premier League referee for 11 years, said: ‘The biggest problem is the VARs are interfering too much, they are reviewing or checking too many incidents. They are recommending reviews in too many situations. They are not focusing just on clear errors.’