Spurs boss Postecoglou not in favour of VAR stadium announcements

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said Tuesday he is “no cheerleader” regarding proposals for VAR decisions being announced inside stadiums — an initiative being trialled during this week’s League Cup semi-finals.

Referees will announce final decisions following a visit to the pitchside monitor or at the conclusion of factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements.

Only the final decision will be announced to supporters.

Tottenham are at home to Premier League leaders Liverpool in Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final first leg, a day after north London rivals Arsenal’s match against Newcastle.

The trial is part of a broader commitment to transparency from referees body Professional Game Match Officials Limited, with the aim to provide greater clarity and understanding around key decisions.

Postecoglou, who has previously spoken out against VAR, said Tuesday he was not in favour of the latest initiative. 

“No,” the Australian told reporters at a pre-match press conference. “Do you think if they had shown the handball on the weekend (in the lead-up to a Newcastle goal) our supporters would have been happy? Would they have come away and said ‘Oh, that’s great, they explained it’.

“But, at the same time, I have to accept that it’s coming in, I have to accept that this is the way forward. I have to accept that I have to be a part of it but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if I’m not a cheerleader for those kind of things.”

Postecoglou said he had yet to decide whether to play new signing Antonin Kinsky, a Czech Under-21 international goalkeeper, against Liverpool.

Spurs have been without first-choice ‘keeper Guglielmo Vicario since November and he is set to be sidelined until the end of February.

“He (Kinsky) had a couple of days of training,” said Postecoglou. “He is registered and eligible to play.”

The Tottenham boss was asked whether the injury-hit club were looking to bring in more reinforcements during the January transfer window.

“We’re still trying to help the squad and help the players,” he said. “We’re still down significant numbers. Again, we’ll have roughly 10 first-team players missing tomorrow. 

“That isn’t easing at the moment… we still need to look to try and see if we can help the playing group and the club’s working hard at that in a number of areas.”