Alex Neil admits he may have to rein any goal celebrations if Sunderland score in this weekend's play-off final - at least until VAR has had its say. The video assistant referee technology was introduced in the Premier League in 2019 and has also been used in some FA Cup games and showpiece finals, but grounds below top flight level have not been equipped with the technology.
But Saturday's game against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley will be the first time both Neil and the Black Cats have encountered VAR. It means there will be a different level of scrutiny on the game, with the experienced Premier League official Lee Mason on duty watching replays of goals and key incidents this weekend.
In the top flight, VAR has changed the way that players, fans and managers react when the ball hits the net, with an anxious wait while a check is made before the goal is either given or ruled out. Neil smiled: "The only difference for me is that I'm not sure I'll want to celebrate too much if we score, because if it is then taken away I'm not sure I could handle that sort of disappointment! I might have to rein myself in a little bit if we do manage to get a goal."
