Hackett demands radical Premier League overhaul ‘now’ after what he’s just seen at Chelsea
Keith Hackett has urged the Premier League to bring in semi-automatic offside technology “now” after another flawless advert for its introduction as Chelsea beat Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday (7 March).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the VAR process should also be broadcast on TV and in stadiums for the benefit of supporters.
As seen in footage posted to the BT Sport YouTube channel (7 March), Conor Gallagher thought he had scored Chelsea’s third goal after a square ball from Raheem Sterling inside the Dortmund box.
However, the linesman quickly flagged for offside against Sterling and the decision was verified in a matter of seconds with the aid of the semi-automatic offside technology.
The groundbreaking system has been used in the Champions League and World Cup this season but there has been no announcement about a potential introduction in the Premier League next season.
Just last month, experienced referee Lee Mason was let go from the PGMOL for failing to draw the offside lines as part of a VAR review in Arsenal’s clash with Brentford (11 February).
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “They’ve got to bring it in now.
“It will take time to get the cameras in place and install the technology, train the referees – but the sooner they bring this in, the better.
“They should certainly plan to introduce it in 2024, at the very latest.
“It makes life easier on the VAR and the fans’ acceptance of decisions.
“Alongside that, I also want the communication of the VAR process to be open and transparent on the broadcast and in stadiums.
“If we get both of those changes, then it will make football better to watch.
“These offside checks are taking far too long at the moment. It’s taking away from the spectacle.”
In other news, Football Insider updates with Chelsea in pole position to sign Championship sensation.