On the plus side, wonderful campaigning for VAR from the wretched Hooper.
What the players and managers keep forgetting, it was their bosses (the clubs) that voted to delay VAR for a season - they didn't think it was well enough advanced to perform with their required level of accuracy.
Additionally, if VAR is to be used, that means another 6/7 suitable standard levels not being able to referee. Would this the recently retired? or SG2 referees (less experienced that the referee in the middle) doing the role? They woudl also not be refereeing, so EFL is using less experienced referees - so the problem is just moved down a level.
On the point of referees talking to the media - if they received the same media training and remuneration as the managers (say £1.5M pa), then I would say yes. As it stands - NO. Do the club put up players to ask them with they missed a penalty / open goal ? - NO
As a first step , the Brighton player (Dale Stephens) should do a media interview on why he did that challenge. If the players have to explain their mistakes, then perhaps the referees should as well.