Tottenham news: Ex-Fifa official backs major VAR change as controversial Harry Kane footage emerges
Keith Hackett has backed the introduction of semi-automated offsides into the Premier League despite the controversy it caused as Tottenham drew 1-1 with Sporting in the Champions League last week (26 October).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted there are “no doubts” the Premier League needs the technology.
Semi-automated offsides are being used in the Champions League group stages this season and will also be in place during the World Cup.
During Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Sporting the technology was used to controversially rule out Harry Kane’s late winner.
It caused outrage among the Tottenham players and coaches and Antonio Conte was sent off for protesting the decision.
The Daily Mail reported last week (28 October) that semi-automated offside technology is on track to be introduced for the 2023-24 Premier League season.
“I think there are no doubts,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“As a senior competition, they’ve got to bring it in. There is no question about that.
“I’m sure that when Howard Webb comes into position next season’s operation of VAR, will still have controversy, but will be operating much better because he communicates much better.
“I’ve been Webb’s boss so if one of his referees doesn’t do their job then I won’t be afraid to tell them.
“The whole structure of how the PGMOL operates has been the basis of my arguments. People will say it’s because I’m not the boss anymore. It’s not that. There was a structure in place that produced world-class referees.
“We still had controversies, that’s the nature of the game. We still had managers wanting to talk to me and I talked to them.”
In other news, Tottenham are ready to sell a 26-year-old in January and £18million will seal the deal.