Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil has urged referees chief Howard Webb to eliminate the ‘clear and obvious error’ VAR rule.
The former Bournemouth manager believes this adjustment would empower video referees to make more accurate decisions.
The Wolves manager expressed concerns about the current VAR process, citing the challenges posed by the current criterion.
O’Neil, who has seen his Wolves side on the wrong end of several controversial decisions this season, believes that loosening this restriction could enhance the overall accuracy of officiating.
“I’ve said to Howard that the clear and obvious stipulation makes it harder for VAR,” O’Neil revealed (via The Athletic) ahead of Wolves’ upcoming clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Wolves manager engaged in a conversation with PGMOL head Howard Webb following a controversial match-winning penalty awarded to Sheffield United against Wolves at Bramall Lane.
“I think you would get more decisions right if the guy in the VAR hub can just say ‘We don’t think it’s a penalty’ – the ‘clear and obvious’ thing makes it harder for the officials,” O’Neil said.
Wolves have been at the centre of numerous contentious decisions this season, with incidents in the defeat at Manchester United, the draw at Luton, the home draw with Newcastle United and the recent defeat against the Blades.
These incidents have fuelled O’Neil’s call for a reconsideration of the current VAR guidelines.
The debate surrounding VAR continues to rage on. O’Neil’s plea to Webb highlights the growing need for a nuanced approach to video refereeing.
Several managers have lamented the use of VAR in recent weeks, with the technology playing a massive role in the Chelsea versus Tottenham Hotspur clash on Monday.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has also voiced concerns about VAR after it failed to overturn Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal over the weekend.
O’Neil has joined the groaning voices to urge for better use of VAR technology and will be hoping his pleas do not fall on deaf ears.
