Paul Merson thinks ‘ex-footballers’ should ‘assist officials’ on VAR as ‘they would offer a different perspective’ on the current ‘flawed’ format.
The former Arsenal midfielder is clearly not a fan of the technology used in the Premier League.
There have been some very controversial VAR decisions and mistakes this season, with Lee Mason losing his job after he wrongly allowed a Brentford equaliser at Arsenal in February.
The goal should have been disallowed for offside and ended up costing Mikel Arteta’s side two points.
Some fans and pundits have called for former footballers to be involved in the VAR decision-making process as they know what it is like to play the game.
Although they would bring a different perspective, it doesn’t make much sense for PGMOL to employ people who don’t have the correct officiating qualifications.
Simply put: it’s never going to happen.
However, writing his final Daily Star column, former Arsenal midfielder Merson has claimed that VAR will improve if it utilises the knowledge of ex-professionals.
Merson also said that Tottenham striker Harry Kane ‘will have to score’ at least ‘700’ goals if he is going to become the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Kane currently has 204 top-flight goals, which is 56 less than current leader Alan Shearer and four less than Wayne Rooney, who is second in the rankings.
‘The sport looks a lot different to when I started this column, there was no VAR for starters,’ Merson wrote.
‘Everyone knows my story and about my battles with gambling, alcohol and drugs but let me tell you, there is no greater buzz or high than scoring a goal. It’s such a special feeling that can never be replicated and unfortunately, VAR is slowly killing that feeling off.’
‘Harry Kane will have to score 700-odd goals – including those that are disallowed – to beat Alan Shearer’s record. That’s how ridiculous it has become.
‘I’ve made it clear multiple times that I believe we need to bring ex-footballers into the VAR van to assist the officials with decisions. They would just offer a different perspective as the current format is evidently flawed.’
READ MORE: Man City, not fading Liverpool, would be the biggest transfer gamble of all for Jude Bellingham
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football365…