Premier League chiefs have been asked to take the stopwatch off their referees.

There has also been a call for more transparent time-keeping – and possibly even a stopping clock.

The Argus understands Albion have suggested to the Premier League and the PGMOL a time-keeper should operate in the top flight to ease the refs’ workload.

It is believed they would also like more clarity for players, coaches, spectators and TV viewers as to how long remains at the end of each half.

Inconsistencies have been noticed in terms of how long is added on for substitutions.

There is also a belief managers and coaches should know exactly how long is left as they weigh up late changes or tactical tweaks.

Although it is understood the observation is a general one, minds were particularly focussed by events at the end of the Seagulls’ 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester United this season.

Head coach Graham Potter revealed at the time he thought Solly March had brought Albion level with the last kick (or header) of the match.

Coaching staffs on both sides remained in the dark as to how long was left.

Although there are often enquiries made to the fourth official, the referee is the only person with the answer once the “minimum of” figure has elapsed.

Albion felt proceedings should have ended well before the corner which led to United’s match-winning penalty being awarded.

Three minutes elapsed between March scoring to make it 2-2 and Neal Maupay handling at the other end.

Potter still had a substitution available during that time with defenders Dan Burn, Joel Veltman and Bernardo among his options on the bench.

Albion will be aware of a desire to keep the Premier League game as close to that played in lower leagues as possible and that the referee has traditionally been the sole judge of time.

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But there is an argument the ref now has enough to think about without keeping check of time as well and that stakes are higher than ever.

The lack of clarity could also be seen as an anachronism in an era when, with technology not available at lower levels, we know a ball has crossed the goal-line or a player strayed offside by the smallest of margins.