by Franchise FC »
24 Jun 2019 11:49
For me, it's got so many potential flaws that I don't think I'll ever be a fan.
1. The time it takes is a major headache. If you can't tell from one or two slowmo views then the original decision should stand (same as umpire's call in cricket and even a lot of the time in rugby when the referee will say something like 'is there a reason I can't ...')
2. Not allowing the PLAYERS, let alone the crowd to see the piece being reviewed - if the Cameroon players could have seen the pictures last night, there'd have been a lot less protesting (although probably not none)
3. As I've said before, it's changing the way assistant referees are seeing incidents. When a player is potentially offside they tend to keep the flag down. Fine if a goal is scored because it can be checked, but if it results in a corner or free kick - no check. Then what if a goal is scored from the resultant set play ?
4. Even when VAR is used, and the result is crystal clear, the referee can still get it wrong (see last night's last minute tackle by Cameroon)
5. When a goal is scored, any potential 'touch' of an opposition player is scrutinised (see Wilson for England), yet the same 'touch' the other way is very rarely reviewed. Yes, there was one in the Switzerland game, but they seem to be the exception
6. Offsides that are close ! When is the ball kicked by the player passing it ? Is it when his foot first makes contact with the ball ? If so, Lingard was onside and goal stands, England go on to be runners up in the Nations League. Mata's goal early in the FA Cup - how can one hair on his kneecap be enough to deem him offside.
7. To celebrate or not to celebrate - if football loses it's highs and lows of emotion waiting to see whether a goal is going to be reviewed I see that as a slippery slope
I'm sure I'll come up with a few more