Postecoglou does not welcome VAR trial in EFL Cup semi-finals

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou has questioned the use of new VAR protocols in the EFL Cup semi-finals, which take place this week.

Unlike in the Premier League, referees will explain VAR decisions to the crowd via a microphone in the stadium, which will be synchronized with the PA system.

The measure is a trial and is limited to when the referee has checked the on-field monitor and overturned a decision. It will also only cover decisions made on offside and accidental handball by a goalscorer.

While Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta backed the measure and suggested it would bring greater clarity, Postecoglou took the opposite view.

“Do I welcome it? No,” he said on Tuesday.

“Do you think our supporters would have been happy if they had shown handball this weekend?

“Would they have come away and said, 'Oh, that's great, they explained it?'”

Spurs lost 2-1 at home to Newcastle on Saturday, with the visitors' equalizer scored despite the ball hitting Joelinton's arm in the build-up.

The defeat left them 12th in the Premier League, 10 points clear of the top six and eight above the relegation zone, ahead of their first leg EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

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“But at the same time, I have to accept that it's coming in. I have to accept that this is the way forward. I have to accept that I have to be part of that,” Postecoglou added.

“But it shouldn't surprise anyone if I'm not some kind of cheerleader for that kind of thing.”

Next up for Tottenham after hosting Liverpool is a trip to Tamworth in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

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