Virgil van Dijk wants the Premier League to broadcast match officials’ conversations
Virgil van Dijk wants Premier League refereeing rules changed so that match officials’ conversations can be heard when making certain decisions. Van Dijk was involved in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday when a goal was controversially ruled out.
In the build-up to Cody Gakpo’s close-range finish, which was ruled out after a lengthy VAR review, the centre-back was beyond the last Villa defender. Referee John Brooks went over to the pitch-side monitor and determined that Villa’s Ezri Konsa had not intentionally played the ball.
“Van Dijk was in an offside position from Luis Diaz’s header,” the Premier League said later that day. Referee John Brooks determined it was a deflection off Ezri Konsa, not a deliberate play, after the VAR recommended a review.”
However, the players on the field were perplexed as they waited for a decision. And the Dutchman wants the Premier League to change its rules and regulations so that everyone on the field and in the stands understands why calls are being made.
“I’ve no idea [why it was ruled out] – I didn’t understand what was going on at all,” Van Dijk said after the game. I asked Michael Oliver (fourth official) on the sidelines, and apparently it was a question about whether the Villa player intentionally knocked it back or something, but I have no idea, yes or no.”
Van Dijk also believes that officials, like players, should address journalists in post-match interviews. “I think it would be good if we could hear what they discuss, everyone around it, and be transparent next season,” he said.
For them to explain to you (the media), coming here (in the interview area); if it happened in Holland, why not here in the Premier League?”
PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb recently appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, where audio was heard between referees and the VAR from earlier in the season for the first time. Webb did confirm, however, that listening to officials live – in the stadium or on TV – is currently not permitted due to FIFA regulations.
“We’re looking to do this as much as we possibly can, and tonight is something new,” he said. We’re taking a small step forward, and we’ll be looking to do more of the same in the coming season.
“We can’t play it live within the game because it’s against the rules – FIFA doesn’t allow us to play this out during the game, and who knows where that might go in the future.”
“However, nothing prevents us from doing what we’re doing tonight and showing that information later.” As we pull back the curtain, I hope you’ve gained some insight. We’ve tried to show you a variety of situations, and we hope to do more of the same in the future.”
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