Ex-Premier League referee endorses radical overhaul as plans revealed – ‘this is a big problem at Man United’
Keith Hackett has claimed fans of clubs like Man United and Liverpool will only “buy in” to the Video Assistant Referee system if the process is broadcast live on big screens and on television.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested both United and the Merseysiders would have to install a big screen in their ageing stadiums.
Reports at the start of this season had suggested that the audio from VAR decisions would be broadcast live in the Premier League – but doing so remains against FIFA’s strict rules surrounding the technology.
Speaking to Sky Sports (23 December), new PGMOL chief Howard Webb confirmed he and his team are exploring ways to make the conversations available to the mainstream media.
He insisted it is his aim to “increase transparency” in the decision-making of officials.
Man United’s Old Trafford and Liverpool’s Anfield are the only two Premier League stadiums without a big screen – with screens used to inform crowds of VAR activity.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I applaud Howard’s appointment.
“He was involved in the launch of VAR in the US, going around to every club and coach to deliver an excellent program.
“There’s a lot less controversy – the error has to hit you in the face.
“I think the only way you’re going to get the buy-in from fans is by using big screens at games, and broadcasting the decisions live on the TV.
“This is the big problem at Man United and Liverpool – there are no screens in the stadium.
“At the World Cup, you could actually listen in and watch the clips on a mobile phone.
“The authorities have got to do more to convince the fans, the customers, that VAR is the right thing.”
In other news, insider backs Erik ten Hag to exterminate Man United “weak link” after training ground reveal.