Ex-Premier League referee: Former Liverpool stars may drive major VAR change after reveal
Keith Hackett has suggested ex-Liverpool players could be drafted in to help VAR operate better in the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed that “VAR has been the driver of many of the problems” with modern officiating and change is needed.
The Mirror reported last week (21 June) that the PFA are keen for former players to be involved in the process and it is set to be discussed in pre-season meetings between the clubs and governing bodies.
And Hackett has backed the idea as it would mean the VAR panel is independent.
He told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “We look at VAR, I’ve often compared that to the MLS where they communicate to the clubs well and to the fans extremely well as to what is happening.
“They even take that one stage further by having a VAR review session that is online so the public can see how those decisions are arrived at.
“What we have to recognise is that Fifa have not selected an English VAR operator for the World Cup.
“VAR has been the driver of many of the problems.
“I think there needs to be an independent panel of VAR operators. I think they need to look back at former referees and as the PFA have suggested, look a the appointment of former managers and players into roles.
“Putting bums on seats has satisfied one aspect of it, independence.
“But you’ve got to say ‘VAR operators are accountable’. Then determine as a group, through weekly meetings, what is a clear and obvious error.
“Then we’ve got to get referees to get in the mindset of if they go with the VAR it’s still their decision. They take ownership.
“I want to see a referee go to the screen and say ‘I’m happy with my original decision. I’m not going to do what you want me to do. I’m refereeing this match and it’s my decision’.”
In other news, an expert has revealed a Liverpool plan is doomed to fail after a boardroom capitulation.