Newcastle United co-owner Jamie Reuben has offered a new solution to VAR after a weekend of drama in the Premier League. The Magpies were on the receiving end of a controversial decision away at Brentford on Saturday after Alexander Isak conceded a first half penalty.
Reuben, whose family owns a 10 per cent stake in Newcastle, has since suggested that referees should be given the opportunity to review an incident ‘only twice’ with a ‘maximum of one minute’ to come to a decision. If they cannot ‘derive an opinion’ almost immediately after that, then it cannot be deemed a ‘clear and obvious error’.
Reuben took to Twitter to suggest this change after two questionable decisions went against Newcastle in a 2-1 victory over Brentford. He wrote: "Not specific about today - but it’s clear VAR whilst a positive addition takes too much time and varies to inconsistently from game to game.
READ MORE: Ollie Watkins hails what Aston Villa did as they prepare to hit Newcastle United's top four bid
"Perhaps we should allow VAR officials to review the play only twice for maximum one minute. If they can’t derive an opinion from that then it’s unlikely to be a clear and obvious mistake and the on pitch decision should then be allowed to proceed."
Isak was punished for a challenge he made against Rico Henry – and Ivan Toney made no mistake from the penalty spot at the second time of asking after missing a spot-kick earlier in the half. During the second half, Callum Wilson’s effort to make it 3-1 and potentially secure the three points was ruled out for handball.
Elsewhere, Brighton had also suffered at the hands of VAR on Saturday afternoon and have since received an apology from PGMOL. Supporters around the country have not only been left frustrated by the decisions made by VAR, but the length of time it has taken to come to them.
While admitting it has been a ‘positive addition’ as a whole, Reuben added that VAR has been too ‘inconsistent’ and insisted it must be adapted. Since its introduction to the Premier League in 2019, the technology has repeatedly come under heavy criticism.
It is not the first and likely won’t be the last weekend of controversy surrounding VAR. Whether Howard Webb and PGMOL will look to alter and improve the current system, however, remains to be seen.
READ NEXT:
Ollie Watkins hails what Aston Villa did as they prepare to hit Newcastle United's top four bid
James Maddison's 'perfect' move to Newcastle United claim made amid Tottenham interest
'Going Places' Newcastle United transformation draws praise amid Arsenal 'magic' comment
Newcastle United transfer rumours with Lazio star to turn down Italian deal amid Magpies link
Ruud Van Nistelrooy reveals Sir Bobby Robson inspiration as Newcastle great's impact clear
