'We should' - Jamie Reuben issues 45-word statement as Newcastle United left raging

Newcastle United co-owner Jamie Reuben has weighed in with his opinion on how to improve VAR.

The technology - first introduced into the Premier League five years ago - has once again hit national headlines this week following the news that clubs will vote on whether to scrap the system at their Annual General Meeting on June 6.

Newcastle were at the centre of VAR controversy during their 3-2 defeat at Manchester United on Wednesday evening when Anthony Gordon was denied a penalty, despite the replays showing he was clipped by Sofyan Amrabat.

Reviewing the incident, Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe has suggested he’d be in favour of binning VAR.

He said: “My view has always been the same. I’m not a massive VAR fan, and I certainly don’t think it was used right on Wednesday for Anthony Gordon’s penalty. For me, that was a clear penalty. Very confused as to why that was so quickly ruled out and wasn’t looked at properly.

“I like it for offsides because there is almost some certainty with that decision but for the rest of it, it’s still someone’s opinion and I prefer that power to be with the referee who is actually on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Gordon said “either get rid of it or get better”, and United co-owner Reuben has came up with one possible solution.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Reuben said: “We should introduce a 60 second rule. Officials are allowed to watch it in real time for up to 60 seconds - if they cannot make a decision by then it means it’s not a clear and obvious mistake and the on field decision should stand.”

The suggestion has gained support from some, with one fan saying: “I like this idea. 60 seconds should be long enough. I can cook a rustlers quarter pounder in 80!”

However, perhaps befitting of VAR, not everyone agrees. Another user replied: “This will just force people to rush decisions and won't resolve any of the fan experience issues. Only solution is to bin it off.”