The VAR system has caused confusion in the Premier League this season, with PGMOL CEO Howard Webb drawing attention to a series of mistakes by club officials.
The Premier League is so desperate for a VAR solution that it has taken the bold step of enlisting the help of British Airways pilots.
The system has been dismantled this season, especially after a series of serious errors in the Tottenham-Liverpool game in September.
Luis Diaz’s goal was ruled out for offside and Stokely Park officials instructed referee Simon Hooper to uphold the decision before it was too late to realize his mistake.
This month’s game between Newcastle and Arsenal was also controversial, with Anthony Gordon’s winner standing despite committing three fouls. PGMOL president Howard Webb released audio of the split’s decision to fans, but it received mixed reactions.
Arsenal are ‘furious’ at the FA’s decision and Mikel Arteta feels he is now being left out.
Now, The Times reports that experienced pilots have made presentations to top judges, helping them communicate more clearly under pressure.
Chris Haven and Pete Nataraj addressed a group of officials, stressing the need to keep the conversation short and sweet.
They also suggested eliminating informal conversations and post-judgment celebrations. The two pilots also mentioned how to communicate with people in different roles before takeoff, focusing only on what needed to be discussed.
Top players have been told that a short communication process is even more important when pilots land overseas because of language barriers.
Aspan and Nataraj also emphasized that you should decide ahead of time how you will respond to each official involved to avoid further confusion.
The 45-minute sessions were requested by Webb to allow referees to work fewer hours when they are under pressure. As the Premier League resumes after this weekend’s international break, the positive reviews from viewers continue.
Webb, who took charge of the 2014 World Cup finals, admitted this month that he was focusing on better communication between stadium bosses and those using the VAR system.
On Mic’d Up he said: “We’re asking VAR to look at it and see where their thinking is and continue to guide them on what to ask if they don’t like a decision on the pitch. The referee. They looked.
