Thomas Tuchel: Ex-PGMOL chief calls for VAR challenge system after England boss rages vs Uruguay
Thomas Tuchel’s angry reaction during England’s draw with Uruguay should trigger a change for tennis-like challenges against refereeing decisions.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the controversy surrounding the foul on Phil Foden would have been perfect for the rule change.
In the 50th minute, the Man City star was on the end of a nasty challenge from Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, but neither referee Sven Jablonski nor VAR wanted to punish the defender for the incident.
Hackett told Football Insider that Araujo should have been sent off, but with the referee not even sent to the pitch-side monitor to review the incident, he escaped completely scot-free.
VAR challenges should be implemented after Thomas Tuchel outrage
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Is there a gap in VAR that warrants challenges from a manager? Here is a perfect example.
“An experienced manager on the touchline, frustrated by the challenge. The Football Association are borrowing players from clubs, and what the head coach wants is for all these players to return to their clubs without injuries.
“I can fully appreciate and understand his frustrations centred around that challenge. I’m in the world of forgiveness. Tuchel had every right to express his concerns.
“That’s why I think, when reviewing VAR, there is a gap for the manager to have a challenge against a decision, requesting a review of an incident.”
Keith Hackett wants Sven Jablonski suspended after incident
The idea of introducing tennis-like challenges have been floated around in football before, but Hackett clearly feels this more than ever following a seriously dangerous challenge on Foden.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said that Jablonski would have been suspended by the FA were he a PGMOL official making the same mistake, and a challenge system would have instantly changed the situation.
It is understood that Foden’s injury is not thought to be serious, having appeared in England’s training images this week. Still, it was an awful moment in the Three Lions’ draw.
The challenge would eventually force the Man City talent off after just 55 minutes, and it is becoming abundantly clear that players need protecting more.