Head of Premier League referees Howard Webb is considering letting officials explain their decisions to the crowd for the first time ever, in response to increased backlash over VAR and decisions made this past season. 

At the moment, the International Football Association Board has never allowed any live audio between officials to be played to the crowd. However, Webb thinks that there is a small loophole with VAR allowing referees to explain their decision after reviewing the video.

If this change does get implemented, it won’t be until next season. Since VAR has become part of the game, referees have been subjected to abuse from all fronts. Players, managers, clubs and pundits have all slammed decisions this season in post-match conferences, on social media and live television. 

Adding a level of transparency between the crowd and officials may not stop the abuse – referees have taken the brunt of fans’ wrath after poor decisions for decades – but the vitriol that they face, especially online, could be greatly reduced.