VAR to Assess Touchline Behavior of Prem Managers in Surprising Move
Premier League managers are set to come under scrutiny from VAR in the latest proposed clampdown. Since the introduction of video technology in the 2019-20 season, players have been at the center of regular controversies in the top flight. However, now it seems that managers will be under the microscope more than ever.
Questionable referee calls, long delays on decisions, and poor communication in the stadium have left fans confused and fed up. But their frustrations could escalate with PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) chiefs considering bringing in reviews on manager behavior on the touchline.
In this surprising move, bosses are expected to be filmed by VAR cameras on the sidelines to monitor their treatment of officials and any other issues that may arise. Additionally, microphones will be positioned near the technical area to transmit audio of heated discussions to the PGMOL’s Stockley Park HQ.
This new system will allow VAR officials to quickly assess whether a manager’s treatment of referees has crossed a line. If an offense is deemed to have occurred, the on-field referee would then be permitted to stop the game and issue a yellow or red card for any misconduct.
However, PGMOL chiefs are not stopping there. They are also considering adopting goal-line technology to judge whether managers have left their technical area. This means that even animated title-chasing bosses like Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, and Jurgen Klopp could face punishment for having a toe outside the white line.
Supporters’ group spokeswoman April Fuller expressed concerns about this new development, stating, “We all know managers push it at times, but they could be under the microscope more than ever. This is likely to leave fans really, really annoyed.”
As fans eagerly await the return of live football matches, they will now also be anticipating how this new VAR assessment of touchline behavior will unfold. Whether it brings about a more disciplined approach from managers or sparks further controversy, only time will tell.