Premier League refs told to use monitors for red cards: reports

Premier League chiefs have advised referees to use pitchside monitors to make a final decision on red cards, according to reports on Friday.

Officials in the English top-flight were initially believed to have been told the monitors should be used only occasionally when the Premier League brought in VAR this season.

No referee has gone to review a decision using the monitors in the Premier League, instead relying on VAR to make the calls.

Michael Oliver did check the monitor before issuing a red card to Crystal Palace's Luka Milivojevic during an FA Cup third-round tie against Derby on January 5.

Palace boss Roy Hodgson was asked after that game whether he would like to see more referees follow Oliver's lead and said: "No, not particularly.

"If it is going to be the referee's decision on the field that counts why do you bother with the VAR people sitting there in Stockley Park?"
"I don't know 100 percent why they were not used so far. I hope it will not be five or six times a game. I saw it will not happen with all decisions, it's just about 100 percent clarification and if it is needed we must use all resources."
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also welcomed the move, adding: "Yes, I like (referees) to take the responsibility themselves, not others. I like it."