Liverpool ‘let down by officials’ in loss to Everton – Matt Beard

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

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

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

“It will take so many things away because [the referees] just need that little bit of 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 joy of the game, maybe not. But if it’s clear, it will take a lot of disputes away.”

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

The biggest factor for VAR not existing currently is that not all venues in the WSL have the capacity to implement the technology. And there is uncertainty over 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 with you. I think every manager feels the same every week,” said Beard.

“[Referees] come out and tell us they will implement the rules, then they don’t. I don’t know whether they don’t like me personally as well and whether that has an effect on my team – it could do.

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