Arsene Wenger has highlighted what he feels is the Premier League’s “most important worry” with regards to VAR.
The former Arsenal boss blazed a trail in the English game for being one of the most forward-thinking managers of his generation.
Wenger has recently taken up a role with FIFA as chief of global football development, and gave his thoughts on the video technology being used to help match officials.
And he pinpointed the lack of referral by referees to their pitchside monitors as a crucial problem in the decision-making process.
“The referee needs a monitor to check if he was right or wrong,” Wenger said. “For me, that is the most important worry.”
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Premier League officials do not currently have access to the pitchside monitors, with referees’ chief Mike Riley warning against them due to fears of further time delays.
Riley’s stance goes against UEFA guidance, and Wenger feels more trust should be placed in those in charge.
Speaking at a general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Belfast, he added: “The referees on the field are there because they have the experience and they are confident.”
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VAR has been at the centre of a number of flash points in the Premier League this season, causing widespread criticism from football figures.
Issues have been raised over handballs, offsides, and the lack of communication to supporters in the crowd when a decision is being VAR-reviewed.
But Wenger was supportive of the system, and feels it can only improve.
“I honestly believe it is working much better than people think because I have witnessed many bad decisions before,” he added.
“Let’s not forget it is in its first year, so of course everything is not perfect. The adjustments will come. You have to educate people in the VAR to get them to intervene at the right moment.
“Let’s not forget that it is video assistance for the referee, so they [VAR] are not the ones who should make the decision but the ones who help the referee to make the right decision.”
IFAB are set to discuss new proposals for ways in which communication with fans can be improved ahead of their next meeting on February 29.
