CHERRIES stalwart Adam Smith believes that Premier League referees should be mic’d up during games in order to improve clarity surrounding decisions as well as curtailing poor player behaviour.

Entering his 16th campaign as a senior pro, Smith believes that by allowing fans and players to listen in on conversations during VAR interventions, there would be a better understanding and acceptance of decisions.

In an interview where Premier League figures were asked for rule changes they would like to see in football, Smith told Sky Sports: “You know what I’d love?

“Being able to hear VAR.

“The referees mic’d up, and the conversations between the referee and VAR on how they get to decisions.

“To able to hear that, for the supporters and the players, will help us understand why they’ve come to that decision.”

In Smith’s mind there is the further benefit of players being more mindful of their language towards officials.

He continued: “Even if the ref’s mic’d up, it would probably stop us talking quite badly to them.”

The right-back also believes that independent medical assessments should be brought in to chuck for concussions, believing that club doctors were susceptible to pressure from managers.

“Like an independent doctor when players clash heads,” Smith began to explain.

“I think some of the club doctors get influenced by the managers, or certain players to keep the player on the pitch.

“It’s dangerous, man.”