West Ham news: Pundit verdict on radical change to VAR after Jarrod Bowen controversy
Paul Robinson has called the decision to disallow West Ham attacker Maxwel Cornet’s late equaliser at Chelsea “terrible”.
However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England goalkeeper does not believe ex-players joining VAR officials at Stockley Park will help.
As shown on Sky Sports (4 September), the Hammers looked to have equalised late on at Stamford Bridge only for VAR to rule it out.
VAR official Jarred Gillett told referee Andy Madley to consult the pitch-side monitor because of contact between Jarrod Bowen and Edouard Mendy in the build-up.
Madley disallowed Cornet’s goal after watching a replay.
As seen on talkSPORT (4 September), the decision has been widely condemned by pundits, with some suggesting ex-players should be brought in to help the officials.
When asked by Football Insider if ex-players are the answer, Robinson said: “The Bowen one was a terrible decision but I’m not sure that’s the solution.
“The problem is you would open up a line of conflict.
“It would make the decisions take a lot longer. There would be a referee and a player watching it together. The ex-player would then have to explain his point of view to the referee. That official would then have to explain his thought process to the ex-player.
“Who then pushes the button and tells the on-field referee? Who ultimately comes to the decision? There would be two contrasting opinions.
“Referees and ex-players see things very differently as we have seen this weekend. Personally, I think it would add to the confusion and length of time taken for decisions to be made.”
In other news, a medical expert fears West Ham are set for a ‘huge spike’ in injuries as David Moyes fumes.