By Keith Hackett

23rd Mar, 2023 | 7:00am

Ex-Fifa official: Premier League told to 'intervene' now after Matheus Nunes twist at Wolves

Keith Hackett has insisted the Premier League must “intervene” to relocate VAR monitors at every stadium after Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes was sent off for coming together with a linesman.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the pitchside review areas are acting as a “magnet” when located close to the benches and technical areas.

Nunes was an unused substitute during Wolves’ 4-2 loss against Leeds United on Saturday (18 March) but was sent off for protesting the Whites’ fourth goal as referee Michael Salisbury reviewed the monitor.

His dismissal was for violent conduct, with Salisbury believing he had pushed his assistant.

However, as per Sky Sports (21 March), Nunes has had his three-game ban overturned after Wolves appealed against his wrongful dismissal.

The incident at Molineux was not the weekend’s only high-profile fracas revolving around a VAR review, with Fulham boss Marco Silva also sent off for improper touchline conduct.

Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “The authorities have got to consider where they are putting the VAR monitor.

“What is happening is that the screen is being put too close to the bench and to the technical area.

“It’s acting as a magnet to draw people in. The referee and his assistant should have every right to be cool, calm and collected – and go through a very deliberate process.

“But at the moment we’re not seeing that.

“I hope the Premier League will intervene and make sure that the monitors go on the opposite side of the pitch to the benches.”

In other news, Football Insider updates with Wolves set to extend star defender’s deal.