CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe has welcomed plans to delay using the video assistant referee (VAR) in the Premier League.

VAR will not be used in the top flight this season, although it will be applied in FA Cup and Carabao Cup games staged at Premier League grounds.

The system will continue to be tested this season as officials work towards eventually implementing VAR in the top flight in the future.

Howe, who has never been fully in favour of VAR, told the Daily Echo: “Personally, I think that is a good thing at the moment.

“I think there are still things that need ironing out and improving before we introduce it into what, in my opinion, is the best league in the world.

“Without ruining the product that is on show at the moment, I think it is a wise decision.”

VAR was used throughout the World Cup when its flaws were highlighted in the final after referee Nestor Pitana changed his mind and awarded France a penalty for a disputed handball against Croatia’s Ivan Perisic.

Asked what he had made of the decision, Howe replied: “It was uncomfortable for me because I am more of a traditionalist when it comes to this subject.

“It doesn’t mean I am against moving the game forward and trying to get to the right decisions.

“But an example for me would be the World Cup final.

“It was uncomfortable seeing the referee put under that pressure where he had to go to a monitor with all the people watching and, ultimately, I think the wrong decision was reached.

“I thought it was a real shame because it was a great World Cup but that one moment highlighted the difficulties that VAR will face.”