Premier League referee helps Carlisle United prepare for VAR

Sunday’s League Two play-off final between the Blues and Stockport County will see the video assistant referee system in operation.

Manager Paul Simpson arranged for Hartlepool-based top-flight referee Tony Harrington to visit Brunton Park on Tuesday to speak to the players.

The United manager was keen to ensure his team are fully prepared for all aspects of the decision-making process at Wembley.

Simpson said: “When I found out about [the use of VAR in the final], we arranged from somebody from the PGMOL [Professional Game Match Officials Limited] to come and give a talk to the players yesterday to make sure they all understand it, because it’s totally new to us.

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“I really do get goalline technology, I’m totally with that and think that’s a really good thing, but I think it’s a bit strange that after 48 games of doing it one way we’re going to have VAR.

“I’m not complaining, I just find it quite strange that we’re doing it. The rules are the rules and they’ve decided it – I think the EFL board made that decision, without discussing it with anybody else, so we have to deal with it.

Neil Swarbrick will be the VAR for the play-off final (Image: PA)

“I think the players were really thankful for Tony Harrington coming in and giving the talk and explaining how it’s going to work.

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“My understanding is they’re going to try and do it as close to what League Two games have been refereed like this season and not interfere just for the sake of interfering.

“But it does give a different type of challenge for the players to have to deal with.”

Former top-flight ref Neil Swarbrick will be the VAR for Sunday’s final, assisted by Derek Eaton.

The match referee is Tom Nield, with his assistants Alex James and Hristo Karaivanov, with the fourth official Simon Mather and Darren Williams reserve assistant referee.