Outgoing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he would vote to scrap video assistant referees (VAR) as officials “are not able to use the technology properly”.
Premier League clubs will vote on whether to scrap VAR from next season at their annual general meeting on 6 June.
VAR was introduced in 2019 to help support on-field officials with key match decisions, but there have been a number of controversial incidents involving the technology.
“I don’t think they’re [the club] voting against VAR, I think they’ll vote about how it gets used, because that’s definitely not right,” Klopp said.
“In the way they do it, I would vote against it, because these people are not able to use it properly.”
Read Also: Thiago and Matip to leave Liverpool at end of season
Liverpool were involved in one of VAR’s most contentious moments this season.
Referees’ body PGMOL admitted the decision to disallow Luis Diaz’s goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in September was “a significant human error”.
Video assistant referee Darren England did not overrule when Liverpool’s Diaz was wrongly flagged offside.
Klopp asked for the game to be replayed, while Liverpool called for a “review with full transparency” of VAR.
Despite this, BBC Sport understands Liverpool are in favour of keeping VAR.
However, when asked if he would vote to get rid of the system, Klopp said: “I do not think VAR is the problem, but the way we use it is the problem. So, you cannot change the people obviously, it’s clear. You need them.
“So yes, I would vote for scrapping VAR.”
‘The most intense week of my life’
Klopp said it has been the “most intense” week of his life as he prepares to take charge of Liverpool for the last time.
The 56-year-old German will leave the club after Liverpool’s Premier League season finale against Wolves at Anfield at Sunday.
“Saying goodbye I don’t think is ever nice but saying goodbye without feeling sad or hurt, that would just mean the time we spent together was not great, and we had a great time,” Klopp said.
Klopp, who was appointed Liverpool manager in October 2015, led the club to seven major trophies.
He won the Champions League in 2019 before leading Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years in the 2019-20 season.
Asked about his legacy at Liverpool, Klopp said: “I know we could have won more, but I can’t change that.
“Missing the title by a point shows you are really good. The nearly-wins will not be in the history books, but you can’t see it like that. You cannot do any better, or any different.
“Could someone else have done better? Probably. But I couldn’t. The rest will be judged by the people, and I’m sure most think we were absolutely fine.”
Liverpool are certain to finish third this season regardless of the result against Wolves.
Sources: BBC Sport
