Premier League referees undergo video technology trial
Tuesday 10 October 2017 17:16, UK
Premier League referees will this week complete a three-day trial as the introduction of video technology in the top flight moves closer.
Match officials have been at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent for a three-day under-18s tournament during which video assistant referee (VAR) technology has been used to communicate between the on-pitch referee and a second man watching the game on a bank of screens.
The VAR system was recently used at the Confederations Cup and the plan is to use it for televised FA Cup third-round games and at the EFL Cup semi-finals and final this season, before eventually rolling it out in the Premier League.
Professional Game Match Officials Board manager and former referee Mike Riley told Sky Sports News the aim of the three-day trial was to ensure the video technology can be used as quickly as possible in real-life situations and avoid breaking up the flow of the game.
"We don't want to kill the speed or the spontaneity of the game and part of this training is so that we can do it as efficiently as possible," he said.
"That will take a little bit of time to hone. It might be two or three minutes to begin with but over a period of time that will become much more efficient.
"It's about honing our skills to complement the video system. In every country they've tried it you have a group of match officials who have been trained in one way to use their skills and instincts and they're having to re-learn some of their thoughts processes.
"It will take practise to get them better at that process. Everyone here will have the opportunity to experience all sides of the process and these three days will throw up all kinds of scenarios we will need to practise."
The VAR system will only ever be used for four things - red cards, goal decisions, penalties and mistaken identity.
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Premier League referee Andre Marriner felt the trial has been a great success and is fully supportive of the plans to give referees video assistance.
"It's comforting to have a reassuring voice in the back of your head to give you help in any situations that might be controversial," he said.
"The clear message is that it's got to be an obvious error by the referee. It will only be for things that are totally incorrect, it's not for every single decision."
