Refs to explain VAR calls over stadium PA next season

PREMIER LEAGUE referees are set to use the stadium PA system to explain VAR decisions after visiting the pitch-side monitor from next season, their chief Howard Webb has confirmed.

Mail Sport revealed in January that the initiative was to be introduced and Webb explained last night that it is about improving the fan experience.

John Brooks awarded Burnley a penalty at Manchester United on Saturday after being sent to his monitor. From next season, he would then clarify why he had changed his decision to the crowd. Lawmakers IFAB have spent more than a year trialling the idea and, with broadcasting live conversation between referees and VARs still not permitted, the Premier League see this as the next best solution to help reduce confusion. Webb was discussing a spot-kick incident in Brentford’s goalless draw with Brighton on his TV show Match Officials Mic’d Up when he was asked by host Michael Owen whether the information available to fans needs to improve.

‘It does need improving,’ Webb said. ‘When you hear the clips on shows like this, it makes sense what’s happening. It all becomes apparent.

‘You’ll hear the referee, Andy Madley, having been to the screen, saying, “I’m going to speak to Lewis Dunk to explain why the penalty that he feels he should have isn’t going to happen because he’s fouled (Yoane) Wissa before that”. ‘We’re looking at ways to improve the in-stadium experience. One of the things you’ll have seen in tournaments, like the Women’s World Cup, is announcements from the referee once they’ve been to the screen. We’re looking at that. ‘We’re keeping an open mind about whether that’s something we could utilise in the Premier League. For situations like this, it would be useful for the referee to be able to speak to all of the people in the stadium — (to explain) the rationale for why you didn’t give a penalty because of the foul before the penalty appeal when Dunk fouled Wissa.’ Meanwhile, Webb admitted there was a VAR mistake in Nottingham Forest’s controversial 2-0 loss to Everton on April 21. Forest said they had told the referees’ body they felt it was wrong for Stuart Attwell, who supports relegation rivals Luton, to act as VAR.

While Forest insisted they should have been awarded three penalties, Webb claimed only one of those incidents should have resulted in Attwell sending Anthony Taylor to his monitor — when Ashley Young brought down Callum Hudson-Odoi from behind without touching the ball.