Broadcasting in-game audio of video assistant referee decisions is a “small step forward”, and something referee governing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited will look to do more next season, chief executive Howard Webb has said. .
The application of VAR technology has been questioned and criticized by managers, players and pundits throughout the Premier League season.
In a bid to improve transparency, Webb appeared on Sky Sports to explain how key decisions were made, alongside pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.
“We seek to do [release audio] as much as possible,” Webb said on Monday Night Football.
“Tonight is obviously something new. We are taking a small step forward. Going into next season, we will be looking to do more of the same.
“We can’t play it live, Fifa doesn’t allow us to play it during the game – who knows where it might go in the future – but nothing prevents us from showing this information later.”
Audio has been shown from six matches this season, with fans able to hear the talk before Webb offers a more in-depth look.
Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal – VAR overturns penalty decision (May 7)
What happened?
Referee Chris Kavanagh awarded Newcastle a handball penalty when Bruno Guimaraes’ shot hit Jakub Kiwior but VAR Michael Salisbury overruled the decision with replays showing the ball first hit the defender’s thigh before any contact with his arm.
What was the reaction at the time?
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said: “It went from the thigh then the arm, it’s definitely not a penalty. I don’t know why the fans of Newcastle are so furious.”
What was it about?
VAR Salisbury: “We will check the penalty for you… can you confirm that it is the arm and that it did not hit the thigh first? We need to confirm it’s not his thigh.
“It looks like it’s from the thigh to the arm. So the arm is, for me, in a natural position. The ball comes out of the thigh and makes a movement in that arm. I don’t believe it’s not a penalty.
“I will recommend an on-field review of the penalty you awarded. What we show you is the impact of the ball and the position of the arm.”
Referee on the Kavanagh field: “So first we have a deviated knee. Show me one more time. The arm is close, my first reaction was that the arm was out, so I’m going to start again with a drop -ball to the goalkeeper.”
Webb’s explanation:
“There are two things about this one. The ball clearly hits the thigh – the shorts move – and the arm moves back into the body and makes the player look smaller. The arm is not in the position the referee thought it was.
“I really want our use of VAR to be consistent. This one is a good use of VAR because it is different from what the referee saw. There are still reasons for the referee to review the decision on this one.”
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool – VAR overturns Havertz’s goal (April 4)
What happened?
Kai Havertz had a goal ruled out for the handball after VAR Kavanagh advised referee Anthony Taylor that the ball had gone into the Chelsea striker’s arm after his initial shot bounced off goalkeeper Alisson.
What was the reaction at the time?
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Arsenal defender Matt Upson said: “You can see on the replay he’s just holding his elbow. It’s a really good save from Alisson because ‘he stays big and breaks off Havertz’s arm and ricochets into the net.”
What was it about?
Referee on the field Taylor: “The on-court decision is a goal because I think it hits Havertz’s chest.”
VAR Kavanagh: “It’s factual. Just frame it on the arm. Okay, it’s clearly the arm. I recommend you disallow the goal. It’s handball, immediately leads the ball into the net. It’s factual.”
Webb’s explanation:
“It’s an opportunity for the VAR officials to see something the referee on the pitch couldn’t see. You hear Taylor say he thinks it hits the chest, but we know if it goes in in the arm, it must be prohibited.
“In this situation, the referee doesn’t need to see the screen because it’s factual. There’s no need for another interpretation.
“Rather than wasting time sending the referee to the screen, we reverse the decision on the spot and try to be as efficient as possible.”
