Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is keen to see changes made when it comes to VAR
Eddie Howe is in favour of major changes being made to VAR and giving ‘more power’ back to on-field referees in the Premier League. Top flight clubs are set to have their say on the matter next month after Wolverhampton Wanderers triggered a vote to scrap the use of technology from the start of next season.
Newcastle United’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United was ironically marred by yet more VAR controversy, just hours after news of the upcoming vote went public. Anthony Gordon was fouled by Sofyan Amrabat in the penalty area, with almost everyone in agreement over the foul – except referee Rob Jones and the officials watching on from Stockley Park.
I thought it was clear but I don’t think it was clear until I saw one of the replays,” Howe told beIN Sports at full-time. “You see the clear impact on Anthony as he’s running at that speed. For me it was a clear penalty. But it doesn’t surprise me maybe.”
Wolves, who triggered the motion, and Nottingham Forest are expected to be two clubs in favour of the change. However, 14 out of 20 Premier League sides must be in agreement at June’s AGM in Harrogate for the resolution to be passed.
Newcastle have also been aggrieved by plenty of decisions in recent months and will cast their vote next month. In the mean time, Howe has made his feelings clear on the matter.
“I’ve always been quite clear: I prefer the refs to have more power,” the Newcastle boss continued. “Even if they make wrong decisions, which they will, VAR is doing the same thing.
“For me, keep VAR for offsides but give more control back to the referees.”
Gordon was also pressed on the matter after being involved in the Old Trafford controversy and appeared to back his boss’ findings, suggesting he was open to idea of VAR being taken out of the game.
“It’s a big decision, I am actually quite fond of it. I am fond of the idea,” Gordon told Sky Sports. “It should be a thing that works in the league but it’s not. There are constantly too many mistakes.
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