PGMOL called British Airways pilots to help out in VAR decision-making after Liverpool vs Tottenham game
The Premier League and PGMOL are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to enhance VAR communication and avoid the kind of farcical mistakes that marred the September clash between Liverpool and Tottenham. In a bid to fortify the VAR decision-making process, British Airways pilots see themselves enlisted to provide insights into effective communication strategies.
The controversy during the Liverpool-Tottenham encounter saw Luis Diaz’s goal wrongfully disallowed due to a “significant human error” in the VAR team’s assessment. The confusion stemmed from a misunderstanding of the on-field decision, leading to a flawed communication chain that ultimately impacted the outcome of the match.
The PGMOL acknowledged the lapse and committed to implementing changes to prevent a recurrence of such errors. One of the notable steps taken involves seeking guidance from British Airways pilots, Chris Heaven and Pete Nataraj, who emphasise the importance of “brief and direct” communication over informal dialogue and laddish chat.
In the aviation industry, where precision and clarity are obviously paramount, the experience of pilots can offer valuable insights into effective communication protocols. The goal is to instil a disciplined and focused approach within the VAR officials, ensuring that crucial decisions are made with precision and accuracy. (h/t Daily Mail)
Help in VAR
The involvement of British Airways pilots is certainly indicative of an approach by the Premier League to learn from sectors where effective communication is a cornerstone of success.
The parallel between the aviation industry and football officiating lies in the shared need for precision, where split-second decisions can surely have profound consequences; as it did in Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.
As Tottenham and other Premier League clubs aim for fairness and accuracy in officiating, the collaboration with professionals from outside the football realm demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, and hopefully, it will have its positive effects sooner than later.
More Tottenham Hotspur News
- Barcelona worried over the form of Tottenham target Raphinha since his return from injury
- Son Heung-min says Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has made him feel like a ‘child’
- Tottenham star Cristian Romero sends message on social media after memorable win for Argentina over Brazil
The lessons learned from these pilots can potentially elevate the VAR communication process, instilling a level of discipline and clarity that minimizes the risk of errors influencing match outcomes.
