Ex-PL referee thrilled as official quits in wake of Soucek controversy at West Ham
Keith Hackett has insisted the imminent departure of VAR chief Neil Swarbrick is the “right decision” as the dust settles following his blunder during Chelsea’s meeting with West Ham last month (11 February).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee urged PGMOL chief Howard Webb to draft in VAR expert Greg Barkey from the US to “clean up” the VAR process.
As per the BBC (27 February), VAR chief Swarbrick will retire from his role at the end of the season after spearheading the technology’s introduction in the Premier League.
Lee Mason also left the PGMOL by mutual consent after a high-profile blunder in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford in February.
Swarbrick was removed from VAR duties by Webb after he failed to recommend an on-pitch review when West Ham star Tomas Soucek handled inside the box against Chelsea in the 1-1 draw last month.
The 57-year-old last refereed a Premier League game in 2018.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Lee Mason has gone, Swarbrick is going.
“It’s the right decision. VAR has clearly not worked under his stewardship. We could see that clearly after he was removed from duty after he missed a penalty in the West Ham – Chelsea game last month.
“It’s a step in the right decision. What Howard Webb should now do is bring in Greg Barkey from the US.
“If he can tempt him to come across to England, he is who should come in to replace Swarbrick and really clean up this VAR process.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as West Ham senior stars tell board their David Moyes sack verdict.