Ex-PGMOL chief wants VAR rule change as Newcastle vs Aston Villa controversy re-analysed

The Premier League and IFAB should make a rugby-like addition to VAR after Newcastle United's clash against Aston Villa.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Sven Botman's "red-card challenge" has exposed weaknesses in VAR.

Just 18 minutes into proceedings at St James' Park on Saturday, 17 October, and Jarred Gillett had a huge decision on his hands.

Botman had gone crashing into a dangerous challenge on Nicolas Jackson, and would have been relieved to only see a yellow card shown.

Despite a VAR check, the centre-back was allowed to stay on the pitch, but that might have been different had the referee gone to the pitchside monitor.

With Johan Manzambi netting in the 36th minute, the decision didn't turn out to be a defining factor for the Villans, but it certainly could have been.

Sven Botman controversy sparks VAR debate

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett had suggested that allowing the referee to decide when a VAR review is required would improve technology.

"This referee is a fit and mobile referee and reads the game well, Gillett. He was very close to it. But I don't think he had the full view of it," he said.

"That was excessive force applied by that player. And here's the dilemma because VAR thinks, 'Has he got this one wrong?' He's actually said, 'Right, it's not clear and obvious to me, so I'm not coming in'.

"This is borderline. The bar has been lifted. On a call like that, I would have liked the referee to have had another look. For me, it's a clear red-card challenge.

"I'd like another look. The alternative to that is, and I like it, I always go back to rugby. A player receives a yellow card; he's then off the field.

"Then what you have is you have this review panel. The referee gets it in his ear that this has been upgraded to a red. Can that sort of system operate in football?"

Is Matthias Jaissle in trouble after Aston Villa loss?

Supporters at St James' Park are increasingly frustrated by Newcastle's start to the campaign, but the signs suggest that no changes are going to be made.

Football Insider understands that PIF are willing to give Matthias Jaissle time to turn things around, having spent £9million to hire him from Al Ahli.

The Magpies are still sitting 11th in the Premier League table, above their opponents on goal difference, but something needs to change quickly.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo hasn't ignited just yet, Jacob Murphy continues to frustrate, Yoane Wissa is wasteful, and Lukas Hornicek is young an inexperienced.