An Everton insider has accused the Premier League and PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) of secrecy following a VAR controversy surrounding their match against Nottingham Forest. Bryan King, a former Everton scout, believes that supporters have a right to hear any VAR audio that is released, just like clubs do.
The controversy stems from a report by The Independent on April 24, which revealed that Nottingham Forest had accepted an offer from PGMOL to privately listen to the VAR audio from their 2-0 defeat against Everton at Goodison Park on April 21. King has questioned why the offer is currently private, suggesting that it may be an attempt to cover up mistakes made by the VAR team or the Premier League.
“Supporters pay good money to watch their football teams play, so if clubs are entitled to hear the VAR audio, why aren’t the fans?” King said in an exclusive interview with Goodison News. “Is it a secret? If so, what is the secret? We know that there has been a complaint, and we know that there were three key incidents. So, who is it trying to cover their tracks? Is it Stuart Attwell and the VAR team, PGMOL, or perhaps the Premier League?”
King’s comments come at a time when both Everton and Nottingham Forest have had a tumultuous relationship with the Premier League. Both clubs have been deducted points this season, with Everton receiving an eight-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, and Nottingham Forest receiving a five-point deduction for breaching the same rules.
The private offer to listen to the VAR audio has only added to the suspicion and distrust between the clubs and the Premier League. King believes that the secrecy surrounding the VAR audio is unfair to supporters, who have a right to know what is happening in the game they are watching.
Everton and Nottingham Forest have had a dramatic season, with both clubs facing points deductions and VAR controversies. The tension between the clubs and the Premier League is palpable, and King’s comments have only added fuel to the fire.
In other Everton news, King was delighted by the support shown by Everton fans during their win over Liverpool. He praised the fans for their energy and passion, which he believes helped drive the team to victory.
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The VAR controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of technology in football. While VAR was introduced to help reduce errors and improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions, it has often been criticized for causing confusion and delays in the game.
The Premier League has faced criticism for its handling of VAR, with some fans and clubs feeling that the technology is not being used consistently or fairly. The private offer to listen to the VAR audio has only added to the perception that the Premier League is not transparent or accountable.
King’s comments have highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the Premier League. Supporters have a right to know what is happening in the game they are watching, and the Premier League has a responsibility to ensure that the game is fair and transparent.
In conclusion, the VAR controversy surrounding Everton and Nottingham Forest has sparked a wider debate about the role of technology in football and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the Premier League. Bryan King’s comments have highlighted the need for the Premier League to be more open and transparent in its dealings with clubs and supporters, and to ensure that the game is fair and consistent for all.