PGMOL looking for new specialist VAR staff amid complaints from Arsenal over recent errors

The PGMOL are looking to recruit new specialist VAR staff following complaints from Arsenal after their 1-0 loss to Newcastle United last weekend, according to the Sun.

The Video Assistant Referee system has been under its biggest scrutiny in recent weeks since it was launched in 2016.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was unhappy after Newcastle were awarded their goal in the 1-0 loss following three checks.

The ball appeared to have gone out of play shortly before the cross that led to the goal, while there were also checks to see if a Newcastle player was offside and whether Gabriel Magalhaes was fouled by Joelinton before Anthony Gordon scored.

The goal stood following the checks by VAR, which left a fuming Arteta dubbing the decision “disgraceful” last Saturday.

Arsenal also released a statement the following day to support their manager, demanding changes and urging PGMOL to address the standard of officiating in the league.

It appears that the Professional Game Match Officials Limited are now ready to make the required changes to VAR after circulating an advert among around 75 refs at elite level in the men’s and women’s game to recruit new specialist VAR staff.

They want officials who can provide clear communication under pressure and are capable of self-reflection on how they have performed.

PGMOL also want would-be applicants to be able to identify when VAR needs to intervene, to have the ability to focus and to have great communication skills.

Arsenal’s VAR decisions this term have seen six overturns – the joint most in the league so far – with two leading to goals for them and one disallowed.

The Gunners have also conceded a goal and had one disallowed for their opponents from VAR calls.

They have also been awarded two penalties while having a penalty call go against them once due to VAR and will hope decisions and calls going forward favour them in the title race.