WHAT NEW REF SUPREMO COULD BRING TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE

WEEKLY VIDEO REVIEWS

HOWARD WEBB is an advocate of transparency and in MLS fans can visit the YouTube channel of the Professional Referee Organisation (PRO) — the US equivalent of the PGMOL in England — to watch a weekly video review.

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ERRORS

IN MLS, referees are assigned their matches 18 days in advance. That is due to the logistics of them needing to arrange travel around the US. Despite the difficulties that poses, Webb is not against dropping officials if they make a bad error that directly impacts a result. He wants them to be accountable for their actions and not to put in below-par performances.

CONFESSIONS FOR FANS

WEBB is not against PRO publicly acknowledging when a mistake is made. They do not issue statements weekly but they will make an exception if an error is particularly unfortunate. Webb sees it as the best way to maintain credibility and let fans know that a mistake is a mistake — nothing more. In MLS, supporters seem more open to VAR, even if referees are not always getting the calls right. This transparency boosts that.

IT’S ONLY FOR HOWLERS

VAR is not for the ‘I’ve seen them given’ moments. They are for the instances where the referee has made a big mistake. That is when VAR should get involved. Webb likes to use the example from his 2010 World Cup final between Holland and Spain. He missed Nigel de Jong’s foot in the chest of Xabi Alonso. If VAR was available, Webb could have visited his monitor and sent off De Jong.

HEAR WHAT REFS SAY

MLS have flirted with using live audio and tried it on a few occasions, though need FIFA’s permission to do so. The world governing body have been reluctant to let this happen, though Webb is believed to be open to the idea himself.