Ex-refs chief calls for VAR ‘expansion’ after unseen Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest controversy
Howard Webb and the IFAB should be looking at brand-new uses for VAR after Nottingham Forest’s defeat to Bournemouth.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that VAR technology could have stopped a major mistake being made at the Vitality Stadium.
Neco Williams was rightly furious at Samuel Barrott and his assistants as the Cherries were awarded a corner despite Marcus Tavernier clearly having the last touch before the ball went out.
Of course, Andoni Iraola‘s side went on to score from the set-piece, which put Sean Dyche‘s side on the back foot after 25 minutes, with Junior Kroupi adding a second five minutes before half-time.
Nottingham Forest are in trouble after defeat to Bournemouth
Ange Postecoglou was sacked after 39 days in charge, winning zero of his eight games in charge, and Dyche instantly won the hearts of the fans by beating Porto in the Europa League.
However, after suffering defeat on the south coast, albeit in a game kicked off by a controversial decision, the Reds are now three points from safety in the Premier League table, three points above Wolves.
Either way, a positive result at the Vitality Stadium was always going to be a difficult achievement, but after Bournemouth scored from a corner which should not have been awarded, Hackett is keen for a new rule change regarding the use of VAR.
Keith Hackett frustrated by VAR’s restrictions in the Premier League
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the situation, the former referee said: “At what point do we see an expansion of VAR? It’s interesting because, at the IFAB, they have said they’ll look at double yellow cards, and possibly corner-kick decisions.
“If they’re not, this should be one that they discuss. We’ve got clarity, and right now, we’ve got VAR sitting there, knowing it’s the wrong call that could impact the game.
“You don’t have to stop the game. Just signal to the referee that the decision should be a goal kick, or vice versa. Where we’ve got technology, use it. I’m for VAR intervention.”