14 November 2023 , 19:19
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Howard Webb is keen to see even more dialogue between officials and VAR to define a “clear and obvious error” after a number of recent mistakes with the technology.
Referees in the Premier League have been criticised over recent weeks for a number of howlers. VAR does not appear to have helped after a succession of decisions left supporters baffled.
One particular incident that left many scratching their heads was the decision to award Newcastle a penalty in their 2-2 draw with Wolves on 28 October. The Magpies were given a spot kick after Hwang-Hee Chan was adjudged to have brought down Fabian Schar.
VAR looked at the incident and agreed with Anthony Taylor ’s call. However, replays showed that the Wolves star pulled his foot away before making contact.
Webb has since admitted that the decision to give Newcastle a penalty was a mistake. In order to avoid a repeat, PGMOL chief Webb is encouraging more conversation between officials to get a better understanding of their take on future incidents.
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Speaking on Mic’d Up, he said: "We're asking the VARs, going forward with our instruction to have a look at it, to see where the considerations sit and if they don't like the decision on the field, ask the referee what they saw and if it's significantly different to what's been shown on the video, then recommend a review so that the referee can go to the screen and look at it again for himself.
Newcastle were awarded a contentious penalty against Wolves in October (Getty Images)Has VAR been a success or a failure in the Premier League? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“The starting point that the VAR thinks it's a clear error. In this situation the VAR didn't quite get there and in our opinion should have done. We think the high bar for intervention, which we apply, which UEFA apply as well, is good for consistency. There's a lot of subjective situations in our game which splits opinion.
While he is keen to see more discussion ahead of any decisions, Webb has also ensured that officials will not be relying on technology. He added: “We don't want too much interference.
“We've seen negative comments about overinterference by VAR so by reserving it for clear situations, then we feel it serves the game best. Recognising those clear situations is important - it's where we put a lot of our time and effort into the training and this type of situation reaches that threshold, and that's the advice we've given to our VARs going forward."
Away from Newcastle’s penalty decision, Webb also opened up on a number of other contentious calls including Anthony Gordon’s winning goal against Arsenal. Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta was left furious at the decision to let the goal stand and launched into a passionate rant during his post-match interview.