Let them ref the games and be humans - Andrews

What the report says

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews used his side’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win at Reading to argue that referees are being constrained by video technology. Speaking after Brentford reached the fourth round, Andrews said officials should be allowed to make calls in real time, with the chance to get decisions wrong, rather than being overly influenced by VAR. The match at the Championship? No, Reading are a League One side, and the cup tie was played without VAR at this stage of the competition.

The comments came after a first-half Reading goal from Paudie O’Connor was disallowed for a high boot, a decision that also drew strong criticism from Royals manager Leam Richardson. Andrews said the recent focus on officiating, including a contentious Premier League decision involving Manchester City’s Erling Haaland at Manchester United, showed how difficult the environment has become for referees.

BBC Sport reported that Andrews said he wants referees to be treated as “human beings” and to regain the freedom to make judgments on the pitch. He suggested that the game has moved away from the relationship between players and officials that used to be built on direct communication and mutual respect. The broader issue matters because debates over VAR and officiating continue to shape discussion across English football, especially in matches where technology is not in use.