Ex-PGMOL boss moots VAR-Championship addition after Norwich vs Southampton controversy
VAR intervention could solve problems in the Championship following a controversial goal award during Norwich City’s win over Southampton.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that, while some fans are against the technology, it would help avoid similar situations in the second tier.
Hackett is openly critical of VAR in the Premier League. Nonetheless, officials at Stockley Park could have made a huge difference on Saturday, 13 December, as Norwich beat Southampton 2-1.
The game was full of controversy, first with Adam Armstrong missing from the penalty spot, before Jovon Makama netted either side of half-time, also sandwiching an effort from Ryan Manning.
Norwich City vs Southampton was full of controversy
In addition to the first-half penalty incident, the Canaries’ winner should have also been ruled out, but the officials had very little chance of spotting the infringement in real time.
Makama handled the ball into the Saints’ goal, completely deceiving goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, and the goal meant that Tonda Eckert‘s side remain four points away from the play-off spots.
Had VAR been in operation, the goal would likely have been ruled out, but with no help, referee James Bell was completely helpless, much like his assistants at Carrow Road.
Hackett was keen to highlight just how difficult a decision it was for the officials, especially without a second look at the incident, raising the idea of VAR intervention.
Keith Hackett raises the idea of VAR in the Championship
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “In fairness to the match officials, they haven’t got a prayer of seeing that. The body is covering the handling offence, and it’s a tight call.
“It took me two or three views to determine that it was handball. But there’s no VAR in the Championship. Most people in the Premier League would say it’s ruining the game.
“But this is what VAR was brought in for. The improvement would come if the big screens in stadiums were used, much like in rugby.
“Let’s listen to what the referee and VAR are saying, let’s look at it on the big screen, so whatever is being shown to him, he doesn’t need to go to the screen, and we’re all involved in the process.
“At the moment, there’s a deadly silence in the stadium while we’re waiting.”