“I’m Disappointed with the Speed of Progress” – Former Premier League Referee Shares his Honest Thoughts on VAR | OneFootball

Former Premier League Referee Shares his Honest Thoughts on VAR

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has been a hot topic in football discussions since its introduction. Former Premier League referee Peter Walton shared his thoughts with EPL Index, providing a unique insider perspective on how VAR has evolved and the challenges it still faces in the realm of football.

VAR’s Slow Progression: A Concern?

Peter Walton expressed concerns about the pace of VAR’s implementation, stating, “There has been progress but I think it’s a little bit slow for everybody to absorb I think.” This sentiment reflects a broader apprehension within the football community regarding how quickly and efficiently VAR decisions are made compared to other international bodies like UEFA and FIFA. Walton noted, “I’m disappointed with the speed of progress, however we all knew that this is a culture change to refereeing and that it would take time.”

Despite the slow pace, the necessity for VAR in modern football isn’t disputed. Walton emphasized the importance of adapting quickly: “It’s whether people want to give it that time or not is the key and I think there needs to be a bit more urgency on the swiftness of progress.”

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VAR Enhancing Football: A Business Perspective

From a business standpoint, VAR seems to be a beneficial addition to the sport. “Overall, VAR has enhanced the game,” Walton remarked. He acknowledged the commercial aspects of football where “the business leaders have demanded that these big decisions are correct.” Indeed, VAR has improved the accuracy of crucial game decisions, though it also brings its share of controversies. Walton pointed out, “The stats show that VAR is getting more of the big decisions correct, but you will always have those debatable ones that set people’s thoughts back.”

Interaction and Communication: Lessons from the Carabao Cup

The integration of VAR in tournaments like the Carabao Cup has offered lessons on fan interaction and communication. Walton appreciates the new dynamic, stating, “I like it and it gets the fans interaction is important, especially if there has been a lengthy stop.” He believes that while those at home have commentators to fill the gaps, fans in the stadium require more frequent updates to stay engaged.

However, Walton warns against over-communication, “We need to be careful that we don’t go too far with the dialogue, where there’s almost a script for the referee to read off and we need to keep it brief enough.”

Embracing Media Duties for Transparency

Addressing the media’s role in VAR discussions, Walton supports increased transparency. He shared experiences from his time in the MLS, where referees were encouraged to explain their decisions post-match. “Even if the referee felt uncomfortable about it, we made sure that we helped them to come up with a concrete answer rather than letting someone else put their thoughts against it.”

Walton believes that even a single question can suffice, “Then allow the public to debate that decision with the referee’s thought process in mind.”

As VAR continues to shape the landscape of football, the focus should remain on refining its implementation, enhancing communication, and maintaining the integrity of the sport. Peter Walton’s insights shed light on the ongoing adjustments necessary to harmonize technology with the fluid dynamics of football.