It seems now that the system of TV replays used by The Premier League is not going to be, as we thought, following their press guff before this season, used with a ‘lighter touch’ whilst relying more on referee’s call and only picking out the dreadful mistakes and seeking to overturn them.
Instead, it seems that VAR is just going to pile in behind whatever idiot decision the referee makes, supporting him like members of the Politburo putting up their hands to agree with whatever lunacy ‘the leader’ spouts.
Just what is a foul then? I don’t know anymore.
Two weeks in a row, VAR has been at the centre of controversy. Last week, Fulham boss Marco Silva looked as if he was going to keel over after his claims for a penalty were overruled: Now we all know how he felt. The decision of VAR not even to offer a replay to the on-pitch official marks a clear new line in lunacy. Even talksport’s commentator was ‘gobsmacked’ at the decision.
The VAR comment is reproduced below:
‘Not Sustained Holding’: Where does it say that in the Premier League rulebook? In the box, held by an opponent – briefly – and unable to get a shot off – but no penalty, no ‘invitation’ for the referee to review on TV replays.
So – let’s be clear: VAR are re-writing the rule book with their dumb invention of a kind of referee’s union, all supporting each other’s decision and coming up with new rules on the hoof to justify themselves:
“He’s making it up as he goes along!” All very ‘Life of Brian‘ except it isn’t funny. Instead, it is totally unsatisfactory and does away with any point in having the system.
At all.
Just do away with it and go back to relying on the on-field decision.
At least then we all know where we stand.
Had a lovely Fray Bentos steak and kidney pie with chips for my tea tonight.
I had a paella shoved in my face!
VAR is absolutely useless. Why can’t they follow the TMO used in rugby? The referee states he’s given a try but wants to check there was no foul play leading up to the try. For example. The TMO then checks and confirms that the referee sticks with the on field decision. For example.
Why can’t a football referee ask “Is there any reason I can’t award a penalty?” etc.
Referees should only use VAR to confirm their on field decisions
VAR has made decision making far more difficult for referees. And it’s ruining the game.
VAR fails on basic logic. It should be used to see precisely what has happened and where clear impose it.
All the twaddle of what sort of mistake the ref may or may not have made is where it goes wrong, we’re interested in what actually happened not what the ref did.
Until they get the basic logic right VAR will always be farcical.