Tony Mowbray is no fan of VAR being introduced into the Championship - even though it might have changed Sunderland's midweek defeat at Blackburn Rovers into a victory. The Black Cats came away from Ewood Park aggrieved after they were denied a clear-cut penalty in the first half when Jack Clarke was tripped by Ryan Hedges, and just 22 seconds later Rovers went in front.
Blackburn then added a second goal just after half-time which replays showed should have been disallowed for offside. VAR, had it been in operation, would likely have reversed both of referee Craig Pawson's decisions but the technology is not currently used in the Championship, although the EFL is considering introducing a version of the system next season.
Mowbray feels that the general standard of refereeing in the second tier is poor, but is not convinced that the introduction VAR - which has simply caused different controversies where it is used in the Premier League - would improve matters. Asked whether he thought bringing VAR to the Championship was a good idea, Mowbray said: "I'm not sure I want to tag my name to it because next year I'll be sitting here and I'll be being asked about a marginal VAR decision which cost us a goal!
