Alex Neil has shared his opinion on the use of VAR in the play-off final in what will be the first ever use of the technology in a Sunderland match.
REIN IT IN
"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."
FAIRNESS
"Providing the fair decisions are made, in our favour or not, I don't think you can have any complaints. The only grumble I would have is that I don't like the idea that somebody's armpit is offside by a millimetre. I do think there needs to be an element of grace somewhere."
ADVANTAGES
"People talk about giving the advantage to the forwards, but I don't think that's the case with VAR. That's my personal preference, because you'd like to see more goals given, wouldn't you? And if someone's big toe is offside, that's a shame. To be honest I don't think we would do anything untoward naturally. If somebody makes a decision or a rash one, it will be an individual mistake in that moment. What you need to be as a player is conscious of the fact that every movement is repeatable and it is going to be scrutinised, so don't do anything silly that might potentially hurt the rest of the team."
LEVELS
"It's just a question of levels, isn't it? You'd think that a Premier League referee would be able to control the game with more ease. If you compare managers, players, or referees at League One level or at Premier League level, you'd like to think that the level of difference would be the calmness, the control, the understanding of what is required in that moment.
DECISIONS
"I'm glad they've put an experienced, good, referee in charge of the game. Obviously I'm hoping he makes all the right decisions - whether they go in our favour or not, as long as they are right, that's what matters."
