Liverpool ‘disappointed by referees’ in defeat to Everton – Matt Beard

The decision once again raises the question of whether the video assistant referee should be introduced in women’s football.

Everton manager Brian Sorensen said he would welcome the use of ‘VAR Lite’, a system that has been tested in international youth football tournaments.

“They can just press on a laptop and then go back five seconds. To me, I don’t know why it’s not here now,” he added.

“It will take away many things from me because [the referees] I just need a little support. That’s what we do as coaches. We go back and see ‘oh, that’s clear’.

“If it’s something you have to look at from seven angles, then for the pleasure of the game, maybe not. But if it’s clear, it will eliminate a lot of disputes.”

Sources told BBC Sport that Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), the company that oversees the WSL, is working with clubs to ensure venues can provide VAR when the board considers its introduction.

The most important factor for VAR not currently existing is that not all WSL venues have the capacity to implement the technology. And there is uncertainty about whether clubs will be able to afford it.

“The money is not there for VAR. I don’t know what the answer is, to be honest. I think all the coaches feel the same way every week,” Beard said.

“[Referees] They come out and tell us they will implement the rules, and then they don’t. I don’t know if they personally don’t like me and if that has any effect on my team; it could be.

“I’ve been booked for things when I’ve seen other coaches get away with it. I don’t know what the answer is anymore, I really don’t.”