So VAR.
As a Liverpool supporter. Clearly a big topic at the mo
Before I start I need to make some things clear. 1, the game should not be replayed. 2, VAR should not be scrapped. 3, I understand there maybe some "why always them" sentiment. In which just do one.
The issue from Saturday is clearly the lack of effective communication between the on field refs and stockley park. It would very much appear that stockley park missed the linesman raising a flag. So when they looked back and saw he was on, the line to the ref was "check complete" so, the ref thought ok offside confirmed.
How vague is the line "check complete." In such a high profile game, in the supposedly biggest league In the world. I always thought, talk between ref and stockley park would use clear and efficient language to communicate their point. Clearly now not the case.
In Rugby League as an example. If the ref goes to the screen for a try. He will point what his view on decision. "I have a try, but can you just check all players are onside?" As a example. We then go to an audio of the Video ref, going through the replay. Talking any if all points that could lead to that try being ruled out. When the decision is made, you will hear the line "I have my decision."
The three steps should be.
Check in progress
Decision made.
Then when the game is restarted use check complete.
It's so simple its embarrassing it's not used.
At no point will he talk to the on field ref. Any information on his decision is giving to him via a screen. "Try" or "no try" Some decision will come with instruction on how to restart the game "no try, restart 10m tap" or " no try, restart drop goal."
I'm not saying football needs information realyed via a screen. Even though every PL ground is wrapped around with them. Surely the protocol should have been "check complete, goal Liverpool" or "check complete offside free kick Tottenham" no grey area. No doubts.
The statement realised by the club will hopefully start a serious debate on how the PGMOL is run and how VAR is implemented. How have 4 officials, on duty during that game on Saturday been allowed to go to Dubai and officiate a game played on Thursday. A game played and run by the owners of Manchester City. Who, as we all know lost to wolves the same afternoon. That causes some very serious questions to be asked?