“PGMOL Insider’s Explosive Rant: ‘Utterly Disgraceful’ VAR Blunders Rigged Newcastle vs. Ipswich Clash!”

Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett has exclusively told Football Insider that it was a mistake to appoint two officials without Premier League experience for Saturday’s (26 April) match at St James’ Park.

Michael Salisbury served as the on-field referee for Newcastle’s clash with Ipswich, while James Bell was responsible for VAR, assisted by Mat Wilkes.

Both Bell and Wilkes are regular Championship officials and had never previously officiated in a Premier League match, either on the pitch or in the VAR room, before being assigned to this fixture.

Controversial VAR decisions mar Newcastle vs Ipswich

The match saw several controversial moments involving the video officials.

Early on, Newcastle had a goal wrongly disallowed after Salisbury called a foul on Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer.

VAR, under Bell’s guidance, chose not to overturn the decision, despite replays suggesting otherwise.

Later in the first half, VAR conducted a seemingly unnecessary review of a clash between Joe Willock and Sam Morsy for potential violent conduct, further frustrating players and fans alike.

The controversies continued into stoppage time of the first half. Newcastle were awarded a penalty after VAR ruled that Julio Enciso had pulled Jacob Murphy’s shirt, leading to the hosts taking the lead from the spot.

Many observers believed the decision was harsh, further calling into question the officials’ judgment.

Hackett questions VAR appointments

Reacting to the events, Hackett criticised the decision to place Bell — without any Premier League officiating experience — in charge of VAR for such an important fixture.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said:

“I fundamentally disagree with assigning a referee, or anyone who has not officiated in the Premier League, to the VAR role.

Even if someone were an assistant referee at Premier League level, I still wouldn’t endorse them sitting in the VAR seat without the proper experience.”

He continued:

“This is about maintaining balance, credibility, and experience.

James Bell is a competent Championship referee, diligent and knowledgeable about the laws of the game.

However, this was his first time operating as VAR at Premier League level.

We’ve also seen others like Matt Donohue in the VAR chair without top-flight experience.”

Hackett acknowledged that training and preparation play a role but argued that simply pulling officials from the Championship and placing them into the Premier League VAR room is misguided.

“You can train someone, yes, but the correct approach would be to give them a run of five or six Premier League matches on the pitch first.

Only after proving themselves at that level should they be trusted with VAR responsibilities,” he added.

Hackett concluded:

“The idea of elevating someone straight from the Championship into such a crucial officiating role is simply the wrong method.”