The PGMOL have come under fire in recent months, with several key decisions causing plenty of debate, and former Premier League referee Mike Dean has called for changes
Stephen Killen Senior Sports Content Creator, Luke Thrower and Isaac Seelochan Senior Sports Journalist
14:43, 18 Nov 2025
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean.
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Former Premier League referee Mike Dean disagrees with the PGMOL's approach to social media updates(Image: The Overlap/YouTube)
The PGMOL has faced mounting pressure in recent months, with refereeing decisions placed under intense examination following numerous controversial calls that sparked fierce debate.
The most recent incident occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester City encounter, where the decision to rule out Virgil van Dijk's header attracted criticism, with doubts raised about Andy Robertson's involvement whilst in an offside position. Liverpool approached PGMOL chief Howard Webb to voice certain "concerns" regarding the disallowed goal, though they weren't alone in taking such action.
Earlier this month, Sunderland reached out to the PGMOL seeking explanation over a possible handball involving Michael Keane during their stalemate with Everton, which wasn't ultimately given.
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This comes despite the referee organisation implementing steps to become more open with both clubs and supporters about how verdicts are reached. The Premier League Match Centre social media account was established to provide insight into these calls, yet doubts persist around major decisions.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean believes that publishing these social media updates so quickly after decisions are made isn't the best approach.
Speaking on The Overlap, he said: "I think the clubs requested clarification sooner rather than later. You have these programmes where referees will explain decisions but you will get tweets out within 15 minutes of a decision, which I don't think is a good decision.
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"When the game is going on, the refereeing team is going to find out if the PGMOL thinks it's right or wrong before the start of the second-half or find out from somebody.
"I think they should wait until after to release the statements not during, that's wrong. With regards to rushing, I'd rather something out within an hour-an-a-half rather than [the match] finishes yesterday and it comes out on Tuesday as it's pointless. You can then put a story together."
Such a shift would see Premier League clubs receiving updates through official channels at an altered timeframe compared to current practice. Nevertheless, it might not prevent them from seeking clarification on incidents with the PGMOL, as witnessed in several recent instances.
Virgil van Dijk
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Liverpool were left furious by the decision to disallow Virgil van Dijk's header against Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
This represents just one of numerous modifications that Howard Webb must navigate as PGMOL chief, having recently implemented on-pitch announcements from referees following overturned VAR verdicts.
This forms part of a broader strategy to enhance transparency regarding their procedures and decision-making processes.
Officials have recently commended enhancements to the VAR system, which has witnessed VAR-related mistakes reduced by 42 per cent throughout the previous campaign.
The Match Officials Mic'd Up programme also airs regularly to provide glimpse into how verdicts are reached, featuring audio and footage from referees and officials during key moments.
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Whether additional modifications will emerge in forthcoming months remains uncertain, with question marks and intense examination continuing to surround every crucial ruling.