Hammer backs the introduction of VAR

On Monday morning BBC match of the day host Gary Lineker gave his thoughts on Twitter about the opening weekend of the Premier League season by saying “First thoughts of the opening weekend of the season. All fairly predictable: Manchester City once again the team to beat. Liverpool will be the chief threat. VAR should’ve been introduced.”

Hammer Pablo Zabaleta who was an unused substitute at Anfield on Sunday replied: “Totally agree with you Gary” 

The VAR system, under which refereeing decisions can be reviewed and overturned by TV replays, will not be used in this season’s (2018/19) Premier League after clubs voted against its inclusion back in April, instead opting for a ‘testing’ period. A two-thirds majority voted to defer the technology’s inclusion, instead deciding that trials in English competitions should be extended another year. The system was used in selected matches of the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup last season.

In a statement on the matter, the Premier League said: “The decision came after comprehensive discussions regarding the progress made in VAR trials in English football and key learnings from the many competitions elsewhere using it.”

Liverpool’s third goal would have been ruled offside if VAR technology had been in place on Sunday.