VAR Could Expand to Yellow Cards and Corners: Proposal in Premier League

VAR Could Expand Its Reach in the Premier League

The head of Premier League referees, Howard Webb, has suggested the possibility of expanding the video assistant referee (VAR) system to include yellow cards and corner kicks. Webb revealed that football lawmakers, the International Football Association Board, are reviewing the use of VAR, which has been in operation in the Premier League since the 2019-20 season. He stated he was “open” to an extension of its current scope if those involved in the game desire it. Currently, technology is used to review decisions that could change the course of a match, such as goals, direct red cards, penalties, and misidentification. The proposal seeks to expand its application. Webb explained:

If we’re talking about yellow cards that are incorrectly given and could have an impact on the game, then we also have to think about the yellow cards that are not wrongly awarded.
Howard Webb

The executive also addressed the issue of abuse received by referees. He mentioned the case of Michael Oliver, who received death threats online, and that of Anthony Taylor, confronted by Roma fans. Webb described the situation as “a reflection of today’s society”. Webb added:

Disagreement with a result does not give license to abuse officials on certain platforms, including threats to the safety of officials and their families. That is totally unacceptable.
Howard Webb

In addition, Webb admitted that David Coote, dismissed for misconduct last year, is unlikely to return to high-level refereeing. Coote was dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) refereeing body in December after an online video showed him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their then-manager Jurgen Klopp. This week he was suspended for eight weeks and ordered to undergo mandatory in-person education by the Football Association. When asked about the possibility of a return, Webb replied: