Premier League officials could soon start to train with clubs in the league thanks to an idea first pitched by Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
There have been mounting concerns over the current quality of officiating in the division among managers and Rangnick has suggested that referees and players train alongside each other in a bid to improve what looks to be a strained relationship. The former RB Leipzig boss claimed that by doing so, players will get to know officials far better than seeing them purely for fixtures.
Rangnick made the suggestion while addressing a recent summit between other managers in the league and head of Professional Game Match Officials Board Mike Riley. It received huge support from the other bosses present and has since also been backed by former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg.
The ex-official told the Mail that this idea has actually been in the works for some time. "This was floating around back when I was a Premier League referee," Clattenburg explained. "The idea was we'd go to a local club - someone whose games we weren't allowed to oversee.
"For me, that would be Newcastle United. So I'd go in, train with the squad, referee their small-sided games, sit down with the players, listen to feedback and give them feedback of my own. I thought it would improve our relationship and I still think it's a great idea now.
"Referees know the laws of the game inside out but this gives them the chance to understand the game from the players' point of view." Clattenburg did go on to concede that the plans could open the door for fans who think something more sinister is at play.
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"The only problem with this plan is the fuel it would give to conspiracy theorists. Say Michael Oliver trained with Newcastle then made a controversial call that went against one of their relegation rivals, there would be an outcry.
"Likewise who would Anthony Taylor train with? He's from Manchester but supports Altrincham. If he trains with Manchester City, would he be allowed to referee their games? Again, the first decision that helped City would be scrutinised."
It is thought that the PGMOL are mulling over the idea and could give it the green light for the start of next season. Plans would include referees permitted to use the facilities at clubs while also overseeing training matches to try and get players to understand their role better.
VAR has caused plenty of controversy this season and Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp, Norwich's Dean Smith, Everton's Frank Lampard, Brighton's Graham Potter as well as Rangnick himself are all thought to have voiced their desire for VAR officers in the wake of some questionable decisions this term.
