Sam Allardyce: VAR heaping pressure on referees

The Baggies host Everton tonight as they continue to try to defy the odds and survive in English football’s top tier.

But it was referee Lee Mason who dominated the headlines in Albion’s previous outing against Brighton.

The official was involved in an incident that saw Lewis Dunk score a quick free-kick.

Mason first disallowed the goal, but then allowed it before VAR stepped in to rule it out once again.

The Bolton-based referee was widely criticised for his actions post-match.

But Allardyce feels the game’s decision-makers are making life overly difficult for officials.

“We brought in VAR in to limit those mistakes but unfortunately the balance between refereeing decisions and VAR is not there,” he said.

“At the end of the season we need to come up with an easier way of using VAR which helps referees.

“At the moment VAR is hindering referees because it’s putting too much pressure on them.

“I think the governing bodies have messed around with the rules of the game that much they are so unclear now.

“We should be talking about how good the game is not talking about VAR and what referees are doing.

“There is far too much pressure on referees now.

“Far too much of the conversation is about that and not the pure and beautiful game we have.”