Premier League managers are urging for a common-sense change to VAR appointments as the technology continues to be a significant talking point.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was introduced to the English top flight at the start of the 2019/2020 season, and it has been a constant source of debate since.
After Virgil van Dijk‘s goal was disallowed at Man City, Liverpool contacted the PGMOL to raise “serious concerns” over the gaps in the VAR process.
As it stands, on-field referees are paired with a different lead VAR operator, meaning there is no opportunity for consistency in communication and accuracy.
But Premier League managers want that to change, according to League Managers Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Bevan, who helps represent managers in the Premier League and EFL, said: “We’ve had a lot of Premier League managers’ meetings with Howard Webb, some good and some not so good.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 9, 2025: A screen explaining why VAR ruled out Liverpool's equalising goal for offside during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Premier League managers would very much like to see the VAR referee being someone who is refereeing with the man on the pitch every week, so there’s not a nervous relationship.
“That’s so they understand each other, they understand how they operate to a greater degree, and Howard Webb and PGMOL are working towards that.
“Recruitment is a big issue for them, and training and development. I think they will get there eventually, but it’s about trying to make fewer errors, because VAR is here to stay.
He added: “The VAR referee should be permanent, not one week on and one week off. The more games that they do, practice makes perfect.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 9, 2025: Liverpool's Andy Robertson speaks to referee Chris Kavanagh about VAR decision's to disallow Liverpool's equalising goal for an offside infringment by Robertson during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is a sensible next step for the Premier League to take as it will help establish a working relationship that, hopefully, will create clearer communication and trust.
There is no single fix that will make all clubs, players or supporters happy, but if it contributes to consistent decision-making, that will go a long way in easing the current frustration.
Liverpool contact PGMOL
Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson, controversially ruled offside as a Virgil van Dijk equaliser was disallowed, talks to referee Chris Kavanagh (Nick Potts/PA)
According to reports on Monday, Liverpool contacted referees’ chief Howard Webb “to raise serious concerns” about Van Dijk’s disallowed goal at the Etihad.
His goal was ruled out after the linesman raised his flag, with VAR Michael Oliver checking and confirming the decision, which ruled Andy Robertson was interfering in an offside position.
The club’s “view is that the usual checks and balances that are central to the VAR process did not take place, and they believe a different outcome may have been reached.”
Moreover, Liverpool believe “the wording of the law is clear and that no elements of the criteria needed to disallow the goal were met so it should have been allowed to stand.”