Roberto De Zerbi gives his verdict on next season’s potentially scrapped VAR… as Brighton boss slams Premier League referees and gives his thoughts on Reece James’ red card

Roberto De Zerbi has given his take on the VAR debate as the likelihood of the technology being removed from the Premier League increases.

Clubs are expected to vote on their views on the tool’s future at next month’s AGM in what could be a potentially historic move led by Wolves, who feel they have struggled during this mandate.

The Premier League could therefore be prepared to pick a fight with some of its members as it seeks to fight to prevent a potentially historic collapse of what has been seen as one of the greatest advances in football history.

Wolves have broken ranks in a move they say has the support of weary fans across the country.

De Zerbi, meanwhile, was speaking after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday night, once again criticizing referees who use technology rather than the technology itself.

Premier League clubs are expected to vote on whether to ditch the technology from next season.

De Zerbi took aim at the referees in his speech, pointing to Michael Salisbury as also responsible for his team’s defeat against Chelsea.

“I think I have so many problems as a coach that I don’t want to say anything if it’s none of my business anyway,” he said. “We have to talk about the level of referees, as well as the level of coaches and players.

“Behind the VAR, there are the people and you have to analyze the level of the people. I didn’t like the referee today. Not for the penalty because nothing changes but I didn’t like the personality or the control of the game.’

Michael Salisbury was in charge of the match at the Amex on Wednesday, which saw the Seagulls remain 10th in the table with the risk of slipping to 13th on the final day.

He awarded Chelsea a penalty in the first half following a foul by Marc Cucurella, only to overturn the VAR decision.

Blues captain Reece James was also sent off in the second half for appearing to send off Joao Pedro.

De Zerbi, however, jumped to England’s defence, aiming another attack on the refereeing team in the process, saying his side should have had their own penalty.

“I’m sorry for James’ red card because I think it was a normal reaction,” he said. “If you’ve played football in your life you know that such a reaction can happen, but Adringra’s penalty was clear.

“From the bench, it was clear. On television, it’s clearer.

De Zerbi also has his verdict on the red card for Reece James, sent off for violent behavior.

The Italian claimed his team should have been awarded a penalty for a potential foul on Simon Adingra.

Premier League sources said they would oppose the motion to scrap VAR and added they were confident they had enough votes to block it.

They will highlight statistics which show an increase in correct decisions from 82 per cent to 96 per cent since the introduction of VAR, and urge clubs to focus on improvements which should speed up decision-making. For example, semi-automated offside calls are being introduced.

Early indications are that clubs will side with the Premier League, but will use the vote as an opportunity to push for much-needed improvements to what they see as a flawed system. Clubs will push for more investment in VAR systems, particularly to increase decision times.