ALBION chief executive Paul Barber has welcomed the introduction of VAR to the Premier League.

Clubs have voted to bring in the video ref system in time for next season.

The Argus revealed this week that leading figures at the club were believed to back the move.

Now Barber has revealed why he is in favour of the top-flight joining major leagues across the Channel in the video age.

He told The Argus: “The game has got faster, more technical.

“At the top level, we need to give officials all the support we can. My only regret is that it makes it different from the game that is played on a Sunday morning “But it has to be different to grass roots. We’re talking about a very different game at the highest level of any sport.

“To me, it makes absolute sense.”

Albion recognise VAR retains a human element, so is not a perfect system.

Barber, pictured, also supported the Premier League’s message that communication with fans in the stadium is key when the video ref comes into play.

He said: “They are the ones who have paid their money, they deserve that.”

That is likely to mean a basic explanation as to why a decision has been made rather showing footage on screens in the stadium.

Barber added: “I am in favour of technology that helps officials get the right decision.

“I can’t say that I’ve always been 100% (in favour of VAR) but I always have had the caveat of defining what VAR can and can’t do and that we educate people on that.

“But I have always been in favour of giving the referee as much help as we can.”

Barber has replaced Ivan Gazidis as the Premier League representative on the Professional Game Board.

Gazidis, previously of Arsenal, is now working for AC Milan.

Albion chairman Tony Bloom said: “As with Paul’s appointment to the FA Council, to be representing the Premier League underlines his and our club’s standing and credentials at the very top level of English football.

“We are delighted to see the faith and trust placed in Paul’s experience in the game by our Premier League colleagues and we know that he will work diligently to represent the league and our club.”