‘You do need to think about certain things’ – Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga on VAR in operation for Palace FA Cup tie

Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga has admitted that the fact VAR will be in operation for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Crystal Palace will be something he takes into consideration.

The former Tottenham centre-back has been one of the Lions’ star performers this season.

And now Tanganga will tangle with Eagles striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in the fifth round match at Selhurst Park.

Normally Millwall’s players do not need to worry about anything other than the match officials’ decisions during a match with VAR not used for Championship fixtures.

But the cameras will be on from this stage of the competition.

“For myself, having played with VAR in the Premier League, then definitely subconsciously you do think about certain things that you may or may not get away with,” Tanganga told the South London Press.

“You have definitely got to keep in mind that there are certain things you might not be able to do because pretty much there are cameras everywhere and they can see all sorts of angles – but you also shouldn’t lose yourself though and not play your game.”

Millwall always possess a threat from set-pieces with Tanganga and Jake Cooper both powerful in the air.

It still seems that blatant shirt pulls in the Premier League go unpunished, even with the introduction of VAR.

“That is the referee’s decision,” said Tanganga. “They are on the pitch to decide what they think is a foul or not. We have got to do what we need to do to get free in the box – then it is down to the referee whether they are pulling us or not.”

See tomorrow’s South London Press for a full interview with Tanganga.

PICTURE: BRIAN TONKS