RICHIE Wellens says he would be broadly in favour of the video assistant referee (VAR) system should the controversial experiment eventually be rolled out on a wider scale.

The new technology – which has only been used across a handful of games this season – has proved a major talking point since it was trialled and sparked yet more debate when it was deployed in Huddersfield’s FA Cup tie with Manchester United on Saturday.

Juan Mata saw his goal disallowed for offside thanks to a squiggly line on the video replay.

But the Latics boss believes if it used correctly, VAR could be beneficial.

He said: “There is definitely a case for electronic systems being introduced because at the end of the day you want the right decision.

“The problem you’ve got is when it’s so close like the Mata incident. Was he offside and if so what part of his body is in an offside position – his head, his knee?

“It’s very difficult for referees but bad decisions can cost a manager his job.”

It remains a hot topic and Wellens feels there’s been times when VAR would definitely have helped his side this season.

He added: “If we had VAR we’d have at least 12 more points.

“When we played Shrewsbury away, Craig Davies was brought down when he was clean through but the referee didn’t give a penalty.

“You can go right back to when John Sheridan was in charge and Ousmane Fane was sent off against Charlton for a nothing tackle at 2-2 – it changed the game and there’s numerous examples of this.

“It needs sorting out. I think the goal line one is a good one. If the ball goes over the line, the referee could have a device on his arm which buzzes and the game wouldn’t even have to stop.”

The manager understands why some people may be against the idea as it would eliminate a lot of post-match debate among supporters.

“On the flip side, it takes out the fact it’s the people’s game,” said Wellens.

“Fans like to go for a drink after the game and discuss the drama – what was a foul or what should have been offside – so it might take away that aspect.

“There’s the old saying that it balances itself out – we maybe could have been penalised in the last minute against Bradford but it wasn’t given.

“Hopefully in the remaining games it will balance back in our favour because we feel we’ve had a bit of a rough time.”

Latics return to action on Saturday when Southend United are the visitors to Boundary Park (3pm).

WHAT are your views on VAR? Email matthew.rogers@theoldhamtimes.co.uk