Hughton says controversy will remain despite technology trial
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton. Photo: PA
Brighton boss Chris Hughton does not expect the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to eradicate controversy from football and hopes it will not disrupt the flow of the game.
A VAR will be trialled in a competitive game in England for the first time this evening when Hughton's Seagulls host rivals Crystal Palace in the third round of the FA Cup.
The system is designed to help referees with key incidents, such as a goal, penalty or red card, as well as cases of mistaken identity.
While Hughton recognises the need to try the technology, he is reserving judgement on how effective it will be.
"Am I a fan of it? I think you have to wait for the end product on that one," replied Hughton when asked about VARs. "But I understand the reason why we're doing it, why we're trying it.
"I am probably a bit more of a traditionalist, that we do have a game and for as long as we can remember, there are always going to be controversies.
"I don't think any technology will clear it completely because still, in some of our technology, there is somebody that has to make a decision and we've already seen that you can have one panellist think completely differently to another.
"Whatever new ways that we have to improve our game, you eventually get used to it, but I still think we don't want anything which is going to slow down our game too much."
Other Premier League managers have already expressed their scepticism regarding VARs, including Palace boss Roy Hodgson and Bournemouth's Eddie Howe.
Brighton v Crystal Palace, Live, BT Sport 2, 7.45pm
