Next month, Newcastle United and other teams in the Premier League will participate in a vote to determine the future of VAR, deciding whether to retain or eliminate it.
Co-owner of Newcastle United, Jamie Reuben, has expressed his perspective on enhancing the functionality of VAR.
The technology, which was initially implemented in the Premier League five years ago, has once again gained significant attention this week. It has been reported that teams will be voting on whether to eliminate the system during their Annual General Meeting on June 6.
Newcastle found themselves embroiled in a VAR dispute during their 3-2 loss to Manchester United on Wednesday. Anthony Gordon was unjustly denied a penalty, despite clear replays indicating that he was indeed clipped by Sofyan Amrabat.
Upon reviewing the event, Eddie Howe, the head coach of the Magpies, has expressed his support for eliminating the use of VAR.Upon reviewing the event, Eddie Howe, the head coach of the Magpies, has expressed his support for eliminating the use of VAR.
He expressed: “My perspective has consistently remained unchanged.” I am not a fervent advocate of VAR, and I firmly believe that it was not employed correctly on Wednesday for Anthony Gordon’s penalty. In my opinion, the punishment was evident. Very confused as to why that was so quickly thrown out and wasn’t looked at adequately.
“I like it for offsides because there is almost some certainty with that decision but for the rest of it, it’s still someone’s opinion and I prefer that power to be with the referee who is actually on the pitch.”
Meanwhile, Gordon suggested “either get rid of it or get better”, and United co-owner Reuben has came up with one possible option.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Reuben said: “We should introduce a 60 second rule. Officials are allowed to observe it in real time for up to 60 seconds – if they cannot make a decision by then it implies it’s not a clear and evident mistake and the on field ruling should stand.”
The suggestion has earned approval from others, with one admirer saying: “I like this idea. 60 seconds should be long enough. I can cook a rustlers quarter pounder in 80!”
However, as appropriate of VAR, not everyone agrees. Another user replied: “This will just force people to rush decisions and won’t resolve any of the fan experience issues. Only solution is to bin it off.”
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