Standard of Refereeing

[Gareth]

It’s another question for Mr Untouchable Webb…were the clubs briefed that the refs were all of a sudden just before Christmas going to let loads more go that were fouls in November…if they weee that’s ok but if not they are creating more danger particularly for the skilful players who can be clobbered with no sanction more and more.

[luke95]

The commentator must have heard some dialogue as he knew what var had decided before it was announced.

That's what bothers me.
They clearly can hear what's been said by VAR , can VAR hear the commentary team, if so surely they are influenced by them .

[Skipper_The_Eyechild]

The commentators can hear VAR dialogue or are at least informed of what is being said by a producer. This isn't really new, they reference it often.

[Gareth]

The commentators can hear VAR dialogue or are at least informed of what is being said by a producer. This isn't really new, they reference it often.

Always winds me up surely the drama for the tv audience is better getting the verdict from the ref like the crowd rather than muppets like Drury or Matterface telling them before the ref gives call

[Toronto Villa]

VAR isn’t going anywhere given the investments made in it. What will improve it and make sure clear and obvious is relevant is setting a time limit. Say 30-45 seconds. If with all the technology they cannot determine a significant error was made then the on field decision stands.

[Toronto Villa]

And if VAR is now getting involved in throw ins then there’s no reason whatsoever that they shouldn’t be correcting second yellow cards that were given incorrectly or not given.

[garyellis]

VAR isn’t going anywhere given the investments made in it. What will improve it and make sure clear and obvious is relevant is setting a time limit. Say 30-45 seconds. If with all the technology they cannot determine a significant error was made then the on field decision stands.

Agree it’s not going anywhere but what will improve it is competence. Something that is sadly lacking presently.

[Hookeysmith]

It is clearly evident that on Sunday the ref was not going to send thier player off as there was a significant delay between the incident and the card. More than enough time for a word in the refs ear to tell him it's a red. If he hears the instructions he follows them.

Just who is actually refing the game?

[ChicagoLion]

Just watched the LC Semi, the amount of fouling that the ref lets go is just crazy. They have obviously decided that they will let everything go unless a player scythes down an opponent.
They have almost abdicated responsibility for reffing the game.

[lovejoy]

If they are going to VAR throw ins then surely they have to VAR corners too? And do that preemptively to void wasting everyone’s time.

[Toronto Villa]

If they are going to VAR throw ins then surely they have to VAR corners too? And do that preemptively to void wasting everyone’s time.

They are planning to do that. Games are going to take forever. It’s killing the spontaneity and natural joy that is much of what this game is about.

[johnc]

It is clearly evident that on Sunday the ref was not going to send thier player off as there was a significant delay between the incident and the card. More than enough time for a word in the refs ear to tell him it's a red. If he hears the instructions he follows them.

Just who is actually refing the game?

Refs are.little more than mobile platforms for the technology

[CT Villan]

Feels like VAR has never been about getting the correct decision, always about getting the right decision (to protect the cartel).

[stomper]

Did VAR have access to these ‘new’ angles to allow them to get to their decision? I’m not disputing that the ball was out having seen the new angles I just want it confirmed that this evidence is what made VAR come to their decision. If they didn’t then there has to be some serious questions. However, given it took 4 minutes then I assume the incriminating views were provided in the 3rd 4th minute.

Nope, the only footage that is conclusive is filmed by a fan in the corner looking along the line, that clearly wouldn't be available to them. That's what my real issue is with this, unless they can say they had 100% certainty that the ball was out during that 4minute check then the rules as they exist don't allow for them to reverse the decision without sending the ref to the monitor. It's arguing a technicality but it is an important one because if that rule is no longer being followed it should be common knowledge not something that just slips in like this.

If VAR are now allowed to re-referee the game what other cases will come into it? Does this only apply if a goal is scored and, if so, would we have been better off if Kelleher had tipped it round the post instead of pushing it back to Tammy? Meaning instead of having to defend a throin we'd have had an attacking corner? How does that make sense?

Edited because I'm a moron who wrote would instead of wouldn't.

Think you are spot on in your first paragraph Paul.  The big issue in this is that the officials have not followed a proper, logical process and have instead made one up themselves.  There should be clear processes in place around VAR interventions and get should be followed.  Once they decided to check whether the ball gone out (which is a question in itself) it should have followed this process:

On-field ref: Can you check if the ball went out and I need to overturn my decision

VAR official: Will find best angle and you can go to screen and have a look

Conversation between pair at screen: Can't make a definitive decision from the best angle available, so no 'clear and obvious' error made and decision stands.

It would be interesting to hear the audio and see if the ref asked the VAR official to review or they just intervened.

That is exactly how it should be.  I still struggle to see how implementing that is so difficult.  Have the ref and VAR official both mic'ed up and show the same replay to the crowd and on TV.  Therefore we all know what they are looking at, why and how.  If it isn't clear it stays refs call.

Rugby and Cricket both do it well - despite a few issues in cricket recently

[ChicagoLion]

the reason they don't show or allow the crowd to listen  is so they can make decisions in secret