PREMIER LEAGUE fans could be able to listen to conversations between referees and VAR next season, according to reports.
Supporters have been calling for the ability to hear what is being said for ages to help their understanding of why some decisions are being made.
GettySupporters could be able to listen to conversations between referees and VARs from next season[/caption]
The change could give fans more understanding as to why decisions are being madeRichard Pelham / The Sun
PAHowever, discussions between players or managers and referees will be kept confidential[/caption]
It has also been pushed for by PGMOL boss and former Premier League referee Howard Webb since he started his current role in December.
The aim would be to reduce confusion around controversial calls and give fans more appreciation toward referees and VARs.
Especially in decisions such as the Kaoru Mitoma goal for Brighton against Tottenham that was incorrectly ruled out for handball.
The Daily Mail has reported that football lawmakers IFAB would have “no problem” making audio recordings available to the public.
However, they would only be able to be heard after the games have finished and not broadcast live.
The report also suggests that Premier League clubs are “open” to the idea as well as the officials.
Although it is very unlikely to be implemented before the end of the current campaign.
The report says that this is because managers would want to hear audio from decisions earlier in the season that have gone against them.
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Fans would only be able to listen to conversations between stadium officials and those at Stockley Park.
But they would not be able to hear the talk between the managers or players and referees such as Jurgen Klopp’s discussion with Paul Tierney during the win over Tottenham, these are considered confidential.
There would be hope that with more transparency and accountability there will be fewer mistakes.
This season PGMOL has issued at least ten apologies to clubs for getting decisions wrong this season, including three to Brighton.
MLS‘s refereeing body PRO publishes audio after every match round and did so while Webb was working in the United States.
It is called ‘Inside Video Review’ and is published on PRO’s YouTube channel.