Referees release statement on VAR after Mike Dean’s explosive interview

The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) have defended their use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after controversial remarks made by former official Mike Dean.

Dean, speaking on Up Front with Simon Jordan on Thursday, admitted he refused to correct an error while on VAR duty, because he didn’t want to cause the on-field referee, Anthony Taylor, any “grief”.

The incident happened last season during the 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

Shortly before Harry Kane’s late equaliser, Cristian Romero appeared to pull Marc Cucurella’s hair before a set-piece was taken.

In a statement from the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), a spokesperson said: “VARs undergo extensive training with the focus centred entirely around effectively working with the on-field team of officials to rectify clear and obvious errors.

“When VARs identify a clear and obvious error by the on-field team and match officials, they should intervene and recommend a review by the referee. We strongly refute any suggestions that VARs do not intervene, for whatever reason, when they have identified a clear and obvious error.”