By The Associated Press’s James Robson
Since the 1970s, the NFL has been doing this.
Referees in English soccer finally joined the party on Tuesday, using wireless microphones to explain contentious decisions to stadium spectators.
Following instances involving Video Assistant Referees (VAR), the English League Cup semifinals were selected to test a method in which officials speak directly to supporters via the public address system.
The technique was initially tested during Arsenal’s first leg of the semifinals against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.
The statements, according to the English Football League, which oversees the League Cup, will increase awareness and clarity surrounding important decisions.
At subsequent FIFA events, including the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, in-stadium announcements were used.
In the Premier League, the PA system or large screens are used to inform fans of such decisions. They verify the final judgment and whether a VAR check is in place.
After examining an event on a sideline monitor, the referee will make the final decision in front of the crowd under the trialed method. Events like offsides or unintentional handballs by goalies will also be reported.
The final decision will be the only one made public.
Although soccer has only recently adopted in-stadium announcements, other sports have made extensive use of them.
In 1975, wireless microphones were provided to NFL referees so they could explain penalty judgments. After abandoning its original replay system from 1986 to 1991, the NFL brought it back for the 1999 season. In 1991 and 2002, respectively, the NHL and NBA used replay systems.
Rugby officials have traditionally utilized microphones, and Major League Baseball started making comments in the stadium during replay reviews in 2022.
Both of the two-leg League Cup semifinals are part of the English soccer trial.
The opening leg of Tottenham’s matchup with Liverpool in the other semifinal will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.
https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson is the handle of James Robson.
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