The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) has come forward to defend their use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) following the recent remarks made by former official, Mike Dean.
During an interview on Up Front with Simon Jordan, Dean openly admitted to deliberately refusing to correct an error while on VAR duty. He stated that he didn’t want to cause any “grief” to the on-field referee, Anthony Taylor.
The incident in question took place last season during the 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. Moments before Harry Kane’s late equalizer, Cristian Romero was seen pulling the hair of Marc Cucurella just before a set-piece was taken.
In response to Dean’s remarks, the PGMOL released a statement, stating, “VARs undergo extensive training, with a primary focus on effectively collaborating with the on-field team of officials to rectify clear and obvious errors.
“When VARs identify a clear and obvious error by the on-field team and match officials, they are expected to intervene and recommend a review by the referee. We vehemently deny any suggestions that VARs deliberately withhold intervention when clear and obvious errors are identified.”
