Howard Webb introduces cricket-style VAR system as six-point Premier League plan is revealed

HOWARD WEBB has introduced a new six-point VAR plan for the new Premier League season.

The Video Assistant Ref has come under huge fire during its five years in the top flight.

Howard Webb has introduced a six-point plan for VAR this seasonRex

Numerous big calls have gone wrong in past seasons.

Managers, pundits and fans have become increasingly frustrated with a system that is seen as not applying the law consistently across matches.

And, even when the system gets it right, human error has meant referees still haven’t always implemented it correctly, as seen with Luis Diaz’s ruled-out onside goal against Tottenham last season.

However, VAR chief Webb has now unveiled a new six-point plan to provide more clarity for the new campaign.

The Premier League returns to screens on Friday evening as Manchester United host Fulham.

And supporters could get a first taste of the new pointers in what is sure to be a thriller.

The first point on Webb’s list is to “improve clarity for the threshold of VAR intervention.”

This will see a high bar set for VAR to intervene, with a cricket-style “Ref’s Call” being given priority unless a major error has occurred.

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The next, “reduce delays”, will aim to make decisions quicker — especially with the introduction of semi-automated offside technology.

However, this will NOT be in place for the start of the campaign as the Premier League’s provider, Genius, does not have their tech in place yet.

The third point is to “improve fan experience.”

This will see screens inside stadiums show more replays of incidents.

But ref chiefs continue to resist calls to have decisions broadcast via a microphone.

The fourth point is to “improve VAR training and consistency.”

A specialist group of officials are to be trained solely in the ways of VAR, with the intention of making the operation smoother from the onset.

The fifth point is to “be more transparent.”

Webb will continue with his Mic’d Up show as he explains certain decisions made by VAR during matches.

But a new account on X, the Premier League’s Match Centre, will also be on hand to explain rulings made as matches are played.

The sixth and final point is “educate and communicate.”

This will see a campaign launched to broaden the knowledge of VAR amongst fans, players, managers and the media.

Gaffers have also been urged to go easier on controversial decisions in interviews, as repeated slamming is seen as having a detrimental effect in the public’s view.

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