The Premier League‘s head of VAR (video assistant referee) Neil Swarbrick will step down at the end of the current campaign after a number of controversies in recent weeks.
Who Is The Head Of VAR In The Premier League?
Since its introduction in the 2019/20 season, VAR has been nothing short of controversial and many managers and players alike have called for it to be scrapped.
Neil Swarbrick, the current head of VAR in the Premier League, will step down at the end of May.
The 57-year-old worked as a referee in England’s top flight between 2011 and 2018 before making the switch to join the team overseeing VAR’s introduction to the biggest domestic league in football.
During West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea earlier this month, VAR missed a handball by Tomas Soucek in the area which would have handed Chelsea a vital penalty.
Peter Walton, who refereed in the Premier League for almost a decade, told BT Sport that the wrong decision was made and a spot-kick should’ve been awarded.
“Football as a community would want that given as a penalty kick. As a former Premier League referee, I think that was the wrong decision today and should have been a penalty.”
RELATED: Top Five VAR Blunders Made By Premier League Referees This Season
Chelsea players thought they had a penalty for handball, but VAR says no… 📺 pic.twitter.com/popnClPiUj
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 11, 2023
Mikel Arteta recently spoke out after Arsenal were denied a win against Brentford due to a VAR mistake. Ivan Toney’s offside goal was allowed to stand after a lengthy VAR check and the match finished 1-1.
Referee Lee Mason was dropped by the Premier League after his error at the Emirates and later it was confirmed he will no longer referee in England’s top flight, leaving referees’ body PGMOL by mutual consent.
Who Will Take Over As Head Of VAR?
As it stands, Neil Swarbrick’s replacement is yet to be confirmed but possible successors include Andre Marriner and David Coote.
Other VAR officials such as Michael Salisbury, Tony Harrington, Andy Madley, Paul Tierney and Stuart Attwell have also been touted as potential replacements.
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