Arsenal fan Keir Starmer has revealed he has been urged to scrap the use of video assistant referees (VAR) in football games to win the general election.
The Labour leader, who is a huge football fan, said he receives requests to ban the controversial officiating system on a weekly basis. Speaking about policy suggestions on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, Mr Starmer said: "The one that comes up for me the most, every Saturday afternoon, every mate of mine who watches football will say: 'If you really want to win the election, if you want more votes, get rid of VAR.'"
Arsenal faces a crucial match against Everton for its final Premier League game of the season. Asked if he thinks Arsenal will win the league today, Mr Starmer said: "I think it's going to be really tough. I'm a big fan. I'm going this afternoon with my boy. We'll win, I think, we'll definitely win against Everton. But whether [ Manchester ] City will trip up. I think that's a really hard ask."
The Premier League faces a vote on June 6 on whether to scrap the use of VAR in games from next season. Wolves formally submitted a request for the change, as unrest and anger grows over the tech's offside decisions. Mr Starmer has previously said he would not change VAR but thinks the offside rule should be reformed.
Over the football season, VAR has been at the heart of controversial moments where goals have been disallowed or allowed due to the technology. Outgoing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said he would vote to scrap it.
He previously called for a game to be replayed after Liverpool lost against Tottenham Hotspur after a VAR decision. The referees' body admitted the decision was a "significant human error" after the referee made a decision off the back of a VAR check.
It comes as Manchester United owner and billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has backed Mr Starmer and said the Tories have had a "good run". Sir Jim, who is chief executive of chemicals company Ineos, said Britain needs a change of Government and confirmed he has "no questions" the Labour leader will do a "very good job at running the country".
The minority owner of Man United football club, who backed Brexit, said leaving the EU hadn't worked out and blamed Tory PMs for their handling of it. Sir Jim, who met with Mr Starmer for talks at Old Trafford stadium for the Arsenal game last week, told Sky News: "I'm sure Keir will do a very good job at running the country - I have no questions about that.
"There's no question that the Conservatives have had a good run. I think most of the country probably feels it's time for a change. And I sort of get that, really."
