A former Premier League referee, Mark Clattenburg, has issued a stern warning to officials ahead of the new season, urging them to limit their reliance on Video Assistant Referees (VAR) and make more decisions on the pitch.
In a significant overhaul of the VAR system, fans will see the introduction of an “umpire’s-call” style system, similar to that used in cricket, to reduce the forensic nature of the technology.
From this season, referees will only overturn clear errors, rather than slight disagreements in the interpretation of the game’s laws, in a return to the original “clear and obvious error” mantra.
Clattenburg, who had a 13-year officiating career in the Premier League, has cautioned officials to follow the new guidance and not rely too heavily on VAR, which he believes can lead to inconsistencies and anger from fans.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has warned officials that they must ‘not rely on VAR’ this season
In a fresh VAR shake-up, fans will see the inception of an ‘umpire’s-call’ style system, similar to that in cricket
Clattenburg told the BBC: “The referees have a responsibility, starting this weekend, to get as many decisions right on the field and not rely on VAR. Then VAR will work every so many games, not once or twice a game as we saw last season.”
He expressed his concerns about referees not making split-second decisions on the pitch, leading to inconsistencies and frustration among fans.
This season, PGMOL chief Howard Webb has vowed to improve the way the technology is used, introducing several tweaks including the replaying of VAR decisions on the big screen in stadiums and the creation of a match centre social media account to explain decisions in real-time.
This season, PGMOL chief Howard Webb has vowed to improve the way the technology is used
VAR controversies dominated the Premier League narrative last season, with Wolves even triggering a vote to remove the technology amid growing frustration.
Clattenburg, who joined Nottingham Forest as a referee analyst in February, believes that the league has suffered from a lack of experienced officials in recent times.
He compared junior referees to young footballers, arguing that they are bound to make occasional mistakes as they progress in their career.
Clattenburg pointed out that Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor bore most of the burden of taking the biggest matches, and the depth of top referees was not good enough.
Taylor, who is taking this Sunday’s clash between Chelsea and Manchester City, faced criticism during the Euros after a number of controversial decisions involving VAR.
The official was slammed for ruling out a would-be winner for Netherlands’ Xavi Simons in the side’s group stage match against France.
Meanwhile, his decision to turn down a German penalty appeal in extra-time of their quarter-final loss to Spain led to a petition for him to be reprimanded and the match to be replayed.
Anthony Taylor, who is taking this Sunday’s clash between Chelsea and Manchester City, faced criticism during the Euros
The highpoint of Clattenburg’s career came in 2016 when he took the Champions League final.