In an attempt to legitimize its use of
VAR transparency had become an issue for fans since the EPL first adopted Video Assistant Referee technology for the 2019-20 season. Exactly 98 goals were disallowed the first two years of its implementation— drawing the public’s ire—and spectators began questioning the referees’ decision-making process on offside calls, handball law and others.
Players such as Mikel Arteta, Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel have also openly complained about the digital officiating, and a high-profile VAR red card call involving Gabriel Martin last season escalated the displeasure.
The EPL’s plan, going forward, is to release audio of VAR decisions post-match on YouTube, according to the London Times. Major League Soccer similarly dispenses its VAR conversations to the public, and, coincidentally, the MLS’ head of refereeing Howard Webb is about to join the Premier League as its referee chief.
