Virgil van Dijk is keen for the Premier League to make conversations between match officials public.
Virgil van Dijk wants the Premier League's refereeing rules to be changed so that the conversations of match officials can be heard when some decisions are made. Van Dijk was involved when Liverpool conceded a controversial goal in Saturday's draw with Aston Villa.
The centre-back got past Villa's last defender in preparation for Cody Gakpo's close-range finish, but was disqualified after a lengthy VAR review. Referee John Brooks took over the field and ruled that Villa's Ezri Konsa had not intentionally played the ball. A Premier League statement later that day read:
"Van Dijk was in an offside position because of a Luis Diaz header. VAR requested a review and referee John Brooks determined it was an Ezri Konsa clearance and not intentional."
But the players on the pitch were confused as they awaited the decision. And the Dutchman wants the Premier League to adjust its rules and regulations so that those on the pitch and in the stands are fully aware of why the calls are being made.
Van Dijk said after the match:
"I don't know [why this is ruled out] - I don't know what's going on. I asked Michael Oliver (fourth referee) on the side of the pitch, and it was clear that it was a question of whether the Villa player intentionally shoved him down or something, but I don't know, yes or no."
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk wants to change Premier League rules after multiple VAR movies
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk wants to change the rules of the Premier League after more VAR movies (Image:
TOP TEAM/GETTY)
Van Dijk will also assist officials who have to speak to reporters in post-match interviews just like the players. "I think it would be great if next season we can hear what they're discussing, the people around him and be transparent," he said.
"Let them explain to you (the media), come here (to the interview area); this is what happened in the Netherlands, why not here in the Premier League?"
PGMOL director of refereeing Howard Webb recently appeared on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football and for the first time a sound was heard between the referees and VAR from flash points at the start of the season. However, Webb has confirmed that listening to officials live - in the stadium or on television - is currently not allowed due to FIFA regulations.
Liverpool FC v Aston Villa - Premier League
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk wants to change the rules of the Premier League after more VAR movies (Image:
RECEIVE)
I said:
"We're trying to do that as much as we can and tonight is something new. We're taking a small step forward and towards next season we'll be looking to do more of the same. . “We can't stream in-game, because the Laws of the Game don't allow it - FIFA doesn't allow us to broadcast that in-game and who knows where it will go in the future.
"But, there's nothing stopping us from doing what we're doing tonight and showing this later. Hopefully there's been a good preview tonight as we pull back that curtain, we tried to show you a bunch of scenarios and in the meantime we hope to do more of the same."
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