Time to end VAR toxicity – our experts’ guide to improving it

Tired of the furore around the technology? Our panel of Conor Coady, Peter Walton, Richard Scudamore and Jacqui Oatley offer a measured, constructive approach to the issue

When The Times gathered a high-powered panel to discuss refereeing in English football, it was with the certain knowledge that the next controversy was imminent. Nottingham Forest’s extraordinary impugning of an official on Sunday has highlighted the urgency for serious debate

🗣 “I do think there is an overreliance on VAR now…I honestly think we should give more responsibility back to the referees”

Conor Coady, Leicester City defender

🗣 “It should hit you in the belly. If I’m having to stand at the screen and look at three or four replays in slow motion, it’s not clear and obvious. You can find a foul in every challenge”

Peter Walton, former Premier League referee