Bundesliga making 'gold standard' VAR change that may appeal to Liverpool supporters

The Bundesliga hope to introduce a VAR app to increase transparency between officials and supporters "during the second half of the season at the earliest."

Following on from developments in other countries, German bosses are now taking the next innovative step towards keeping fans updated on the spot while providing reasoning behind decisions.

Speaking to the German Press Agency via Kicker, former referee and now DFB innovation director Jochen Drees explained the idea and its planned introduction during the 2023/24 campaign.

"We agree that an app can be a tool for spectators in the stadium," the 53-year-old said. "The idea phase for this has been completed, we are now in the planning phase and are wondering how the implementation can be successful.

John Henry told FSG 'bought the wrong club' on day of humiliation for Liverpool

Liverpool vs Everton referee confirmed as Darren England returns after VAR controversy

"The gold standard should simply be that stadium visitors and television viewers see the same images in VAR situations. The fan in the stands should be on the same level as the television viewer."

But Drees admitted there are matters to analyse through trial and error so that any potential smartphone app can be perfected.

He continued: "Among other things, it's about exploiting rights. And the system has to function perfectly in the stadium. If stadium visitors then only look at their smartphones, that wouldn’t be productive."

In its formative years footage of VAR checks have been displayed on English TV screens however matchgoers are not privy to the same information. Instead they get a graphic on the big screens in grounds stating 'check in process', followed by the outcome.

The Premier League and refereeing