Standard of Refereeing

[Mister E]

Interesting how VAR is now getting involved in almost all the activity on the pitch. Just watching the Chelsea Leeds game and it has seemingly checked a throw-in as well as confirming a yellow card decision. Neither of those were in the original VAR remit. Bizarre.

And, while I'm at it, why do refs pace out the 10yds for free kicks that are vaguely in shooting distance, and ignore the ruling for free kicks in other areas of the pitch? I used, as a ref, to yellow-card players for not withdrawing to the 10yds distance.

[tony scott]

I think refs have come to rely on var so don’t make decisions

[Exeter 77]

I think refs have come to rely on var so don’t make decisions

Apart from Thomas Barmhall.

[dcdavecollett]

Perhaps he'll pay us back the thirty-odd million from his Prem ref's salary.

[jwarry]

I think refs have come to rely on var so don’t make decisions

Apart from Thomas Barmhall.

Whatever happened to him?

[Chap]

Reffing League 2 games, probably.

[ian c.]

He was in charge of the Brighton v Palace game last Sunday.

He doesn't seem to have had any involvement in any of our games this season. They're probably saving him for the Manchester City game at the end of the season.

[lovejoy]

I think the refs typically do their best navigating the inconsistencies and subjectivity in the laws when it is beteeen the non big 6 clubs.
The issue comes with the big 6 teams. As has been said above,  The refs are naturally more reluctant to give controversial decisions against them, particularly when laying non big 6 sides, because they will come under massive media scrutiny and also may be stopped from reffing those teams  again. Naturallly the bigger matches.Fetgusson used this all the time to select preferable referees.