Lampard calls on Premier League officials to use pitchside monitors amid VAR confusion

Chelsea coach Frank Lampard believes Premier League referees must start utilising touchline monitors if they are to implement VAR correctly.

The use of VAR has come under increasing scrutiny as the season has progressed, with the latest round of Premier League fixtures throwing up more questions.

Everton’s Michael Keane was on Saturday penalised for what appeared to be an accidental collision with Brighton and Hove Albion’s Aaron Connolly, as the referee’s initial decision not to award a spot-kick was overturned.

There were similar VAR interventions in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Norwich City and Arsenal’s draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

“If they found that penalty with Michael (Keane), they have to do the one before with Richarlison.”

A tough one to take for the Blues today. pic.twitter.com/6jQ0QEqAMi

— Everton (@Everton) October 26, 2019

On-field officials are said to have been instructed to use pitchside screens sparingly, which is a stance Lampard thinks must change.

“Yes, I think it is part of VAR. I assumed when it came into the Premier League that would be the case,” he told a news conference ahead of Chelsea’s EFL Cup clash with Manchester United.

“I think we are at the point now where from my point of view I think they have to. It is difficult. I am not one to bang the drum.

“It is not easy and even with VAR there is a human element involved because they are the ones that are checking it and it is slightly opinionated.

“I think at the weekend we saw it flip slightly from the other way from what it had been already with some decisions being changed. Hopefully we find the right middle ground as soon as possible.

“I think seeing the monitor on the side of the pitch is the way forward.”

VAR also came into play in Chelsea’s 4-2 thrashing of Burnley on Sunday, after Michael Oliver’s decision to award Callum Hudson-Odoi a penalty was overturned and the winger was instead booked for simulation.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche was highly critical of Hudson-Odoi’s actions, but Lampard insisted it was not the youngster’s intention to cheat.

“I said nothing to him. I didn’t feel the need to. I asked him on the day of the game, after my press conference about what happened,” Lampard said.

“He said he had a touch. Clearly when you see it back from behind he gets a touch on his back. I know it is light. I am not saying it is a definite penalty, but it is not a dive.

“I am not sure if Sean had watched it back from all the angles ahead of when he spoke, but it wasn’t a dive as such. If that becomes a dive, then you will start analysing every bit of contact.”