Is the league, for want of a better word, ‘bent’?

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skillman

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19,281
Thought it was worthy of a thread to get genuine opinions about it.

I’ve never been one for the conspiracy really of the referees being against us. Up until this season that is.

But I think that’s only because we’ve been successful so dodgy decisions didn’t ‘matter’ too much in the grand scheme of things. A bit like the Wolves handball last week, we won so swept under the carpet.

But so far this season we’ve had;

1. Newcastle offside goal - VAR showed a freeze frame of Dias jumping even though he wasn’t
2. Newcastle no penalty for handball
3. Newcastle no penalty for a late tackle on Foden (of which, Fulham got a penalty for today!)
4. Haaland wrestled to the ground today, VAR admitting it was a foul but not given because the corner hadn’t been taken
5. Guehi kicked today, Solanke can only score by kicking through our player, no foul
6. The horrendous ‘offside’ disallowed goal away at Newcastle in the cup
7. The Dalot red card a couple of weeks ago (not that it would've made a difference)
8. Studs down Doku’s ankle against Wolves, not even checked by VAR
9. No red for Keane away at Everton

That’s not including the baffling Henderson non-red card in the FA CUP FINAL last season. VAR on that occasion said no red because the ball was going away from goal. It was going away from goal because Henderson punched it there!?

They’re just major decisions and ignoring how every week teams are allowed to kick the shit out of us without booking - Gallagher must’ve given away 7/8 fouls today with no booking. Yet as soon as we do a similar foul we’re shown a yellow.

Same way we’ve watched goalkeepers time waste from minute 1 at our place for years without being carded/rushed along but as soon as Ederson/Donnarumma do it, they’re cautioned/told to hurry up.

Going further back there’s the Rashford goal in the 22/23 derby which has somehow been brushed over and the transcript/audio for it has never been released.

We seem to be refereed differently and I’ve always assumed it was me with blue tinted glasses on until you see the same decisions going the opposite way to what we given against us:

1. Semenyo goal/Haaland offside against Newcastle in the cup - the same ‘rule’ ignored 2 days later when Arsenal played Chelsea and the goal was given in favour of Arsenal despite Gyokeres doing the same thing Haaland did.

2. Foden not getting a penalty away at Newcastle in the league after getting fouled after the shot…Fulham getting a penalty today for Jimenez being fouled after taking a shot.

3. Pep has been carded FOUR TIMES this season by referees yet you see Arteta essentially tackling players on the pitch every week and leaving his technical area with no retort.

4. Red card for Romero today for a studs-high tackle at OT, not one for Dalot against us.

Then there’s the 5cm rule which seemed to come and go after being used all of once.

There’s no doubt more I’m missing but I’m starting to become a little disillusioned with it all to be honest. Every week you can guarantee a combination of niggly poor decisions which affect the tempo, feel and momentum of the game as well as a big decision (or two, or three) which stitch us up out of points.

And it’s an all too easy connection to make that we’re obviously not the league’s favourite club in the past few years given the charges that have been lingering for nearly 4 years over the club’s head. Add to that, Pep calling them out for being shite.

Personally, I think VAR discussions should be broadcast both on TV and in the stadium. It’s too easy for them to manipulate decisions when fans have no clue as to what is actually happening. Also not sure how it’s been deemed right and fair that fans pay hundreds of pounds a year to watch football and can go up to 6/7 minutes without knowing what the fuck is going on while some prick miles away is fiddling about with lines on a computer.

And yes, I'm aware it comes across very whingey and excusey - that's not the point of the thread. If you can't see that then that's your perrogative. The point of the thread is to debate (as the first line says) and gather opinions on whether we're intentionally on the wrong end of a lot of contentious decisions.

I'm not debating whether other clubs have bad decisions too - every club does. Nor am I debating how poorly we're playing. But, with all due respect, that's irrelevant to the point of the thread.

And FWIW, we obviously get away with some things too - Rodri could've easily been sent off yesterday for example - but that doesn't excuse the times it's gone wrong against us. One wrong doesn't make fifty things right, if you may.

 
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Yes.

City is also shit.

We won despite the clear manipulation of rules and injuries.

Unfortunately, changing a dominant team has given the powers that be a perfect opportunity to make sure we get fuck all in most games. Apply the rules to a higher standard. It’s every week now and no one gives a shit. Probably a bargaining chip to get city to settle 115.
 
skillman said:
Thought it was worthy of a thread to get genuine opinions about it.

I’ve never been one for the conspiracy really of the referees being against us. Up until this season that is.

But I think that’s only because we’ve been successful so dodgy decisions didn’t ‘matter’ too much in the grand scheme of things. A bit like the Wolves handball last week, we won so swept under the carpet.

But so far this season we’ve had;

1. Newcastle offside goal
2. Newcastle no penalty for handball
3. Newcastle no penalty for a late tackle on Foden (of which, Fulham got a penalty for today!)
4. Haaland wrestled to the ground today, VAR admitting it was a foul but not given because the corner hadn’t been taken
5. Guehi kicked today, Solanke can only score by kicking through our player, no foul
6. The horrendous ‘offside’ disallowed goal away at Newcastle in the cup
7. The Dalot red card a couple of weeks ago

They’re just major decisions and ignoring how every week teams are allowed to kick the shit out of us without booking - Gallagher must’ve given away 7/8 fouls today with no booking. Yet as soon as we do a similar foul we’re shown a yellow.

Same way we’ve watched goalkeepers time waste from minute 1 at our place for years without being carded/rushed along but as soon as Ederson/Donnarumma do it, they’re cautioned/told to hurry up.

Going further back there’s the Rashford goal in the 22/23 derby which has somehow been brushed over and the transcript/audio for it has never been released.

We seem to be refereed differently and I’ve always assumed it was me with blue tinted glasses on until you see the same decisions going the opposite way to what we given against us:

1. Semenyo goal/Haaland offside against Newcastle in the cup - the same ‘rule’ ignored 2 days later when Arsenal played Chelsea and the goal was given in favour of Arsenal despite Gyokeres doing the same thing Haaland did.

2. Foden not getting a penalty away at Newcastle in the league after getting fouled after the shot…Fulham getting a penalty today for Jimenez being fouled after taking a shot.

3. Pep has been carded FOUR TIMES this season by referees yet you see Arteta essentially tackling players on the pitch every week and leaving his technical area with no retort.

Then there’s the 5cm rule which seemed to come and go after being used all of once.

There’s no doubt more I’m missing but I’m starting to become a little disillusioned with it all to be honest. Every week you can guarantee a combination of niggly poor decisions which affect the tempo, feel and momentum of the game as well as a big decision (or two, or three) which stitch us up out of points.

And it’s an all too easy connection to make that we’re obviously not the league’s favourite club in the past few years given the charges that have been lingering for nearly 4 years over the club’s head. Add to that, Pep calling them out for being shite.
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Yes. Sky, BBC, the press in general and the refs and the joke that is VAR are making this a most unpleasant experience this year. Fuck em all
 
skillman said:
Thought it was worthy of a thread to get genuine opinions about it.

I’ve never been one for the conspiracy really of the referees being against us. Up until this season that is.

But I think that’s only because we’ve been successful so dodgy decisions didn’t ‘matter’ too much in the grand scheme of things. A bit like the Wolves handball last week, we won so swept under the carpet.

But so far this season we’ve had;

1. Newcastle offside goal
2. Newcastle no penalty for handball
3. Newcastle no penalty for a late tackle on Foden (of which, Fulham got a penalty for today!)
4. Haaland wrestled to the ground today, VAR admitting it was a foul but not given because the corner hadn’t been taken
5. Guehi kicked today, Solanke can only score by kicking through our player, no foul
6. The horrendous ‘offside’ disallowed goal away at Newcastle in the cup
7. The Dalot red card a couple of weeks ago

They’re just major decisions and ignoring how every week teams are allowed to kick the shit out of us without booking - Gallagher must’ve given away 7/8 fouls today with no booking. Yet as soon as we do a similar foul we’re shown a yellow.

Same way we’ve watched goalkeepers time waste from minute 1 at our place for years without being carded/rushed along but as soon as Ederson/Donnarumma do it, they’re cautioned/told to hurry up.

Going further back there’s the Rashford goal in the 22/23 derby which has somehow been brushed over and the transcript/audio for it has never been released.

We seem to be refereed differently and I’ve always assumed it was me with blue tinted glasses on until you see the same decisions going the opposite way to what we given against us:

1. Semenyo goal/Haaland offside against Newcastle in the cup - the same ‘rule’ ignored 2 days later when Arsenal played Chelsea and the goal was given in favour of Arsenal despite Gyokeres doing the same thing Haaland did.

2. Foden not getting a penalty away at Newcastle in the league after getting fouled after the shot…Fulham getting a penalty today for Jimenez being fouled after taking a shot.

3. Pep has been carded FOUR TIMES this season by referees yet you see Arteta essentially tackling players on the pitch every week and leaving his technical area with no retort.

Then there’s the 5cm rule which seemed to come and go after being used all of once.

There’s no doubt more I’m missing but I’m starting to become a little disillusioned with it all to be honest. Every week you can guarantee a combination of niggly poor decisions which affect the tempo, feel and momentum of the game as well as a big decision (or two, or three) which stitch us up out of points.

And it’s an all too easy connection to make that we’re obviously not the league’s favourite club in the past few years given the charges that have been lingering for nearly 4 years over the club’s head. Add to that, Pep calling them out for being shite.
Click to expand...
Its totally bent and has been for years
 
skillman said:
Thought it was worthy of a thread to get genuine opinions about it.

I’ve never been one for the conspiracy really of the referees being against us. Up until this season that is.

But I think that’s only because we’ve been successful so dodgy decisions didn’t ‘matter’ too much in the grand scheme of things. A bit like the Wolves handball last week, we won so swept under the carpet.

But so far this season we’ve had;

1. Newcastle offside goal
2. Newcastle no penalty for handball
3. Newcastle no penalty for a late tackle on Foden (of which, Fulham got a penalty for today!)
4. Haaland wrestled to the ground today, VAR admitting it was a foul but not given because the corner hadn’t been taken
5. Guehi kicked today, Solanke can only score by kicking through our player, no foul
6. The horrendous ‘offside’ disallowed goal away at Newcastle in the cup
7. The Dalot red card a couple of weeks ago

They’re just major decisions and ignoring how every week teams are allowed to kick the shit out of us without booking - Gallagher must’ve given away 7/8 fouls today with no booking. Yet as soon as we do a similar foul we’re shown a yellow.

Same way we’ve watched goalkeepers time waste from minute 1 at our place for years without being carded/rushed along but as soon as Ederson/Donnarumma do it, they’re cautioned/told to hurry up.

Going further back there’s the Rashford goal in the 22/23 derby which has somehow been brushed over and the transcript/audio for it has never been released.

We seem to be refereed differently and I’ve always assumed it was me with blue tinted glasses on until you see the same decisions going the opposite way to what we given against us:

1. Semenyo goal/Haaland offside against Newcastle in the cup - the same ‘rule’ ignored 2 days later when Arsenal played Chelsea and the goal was given in favour of Arsenal despite Gyokeres doing the same thing Haaland did.

2. Foden not getting a penalty away at Newcastle in the league after getting fouled after the shot…Fulham getting a penalty today for Jimenez being fouled after taking a shot.

3. Pep has been carded FOUR TIMES this season by referees yet you see Arteta essentially tackling players on the pitch every week and leaving his technical area with no retort.

Then there’s the 5cm rule which seemed to come and go after being used all of once.

There’s no doubt more I’m missing but I’m starting to become a little disillusioned with it all to be honest. Every week you can guarantee a combination of niggly poor decisions which affect the tempo, feel and momentum of the game as well as a big decision (or two, or three) which stitch us up out of points.

And it’s an all too easy connection to make that we’re obviously not the league’s favourite club in the past few years given the charges that have been lingering for nearly 4 years over the club’s head. Add to that, Pep calling them out for being shite.
Click to expand...

As an old chairman of the pl said . We have a plan to have a different winner every few years
 
It's just PGMOL over-complicating things for themselves by introducing VAR when they don't know how to use it properly. Football is full of grey areas that VAR can't interpret, no matter how long the officials look at it, so all we're getting is more confusion - and more incidents where very, very picky decisions are made, seemingly at random, and then seemingly obvious decisions are being ignored.

Just to give a non-City example, Declan Rice was sent off last season vs Brighton for "kicking the ball away". Never mind that he got absolutely lamped by the Brighton player at the same time, him flicking it two yards was worth a red card? I've seen players do what Rice did hundreds of times since that day and not once have I seen a red card.

That decision wasn't given by VAR, but it's an example of how VAR has infected refereeing. Now every single fucking tiny incident is being overzealously scrutinised for the slightest wrongdoing and games are swinging massively based on things that, for 100+ years, nobody batted an eyelid at - and nobody ever got what they didn't deserve in May. Until they very suddenly aren't being overzealously scrutinised?

Take the Solanke/Guehi thing vs Spurs. In the first 130 years of league football, you'd say that's a scrappy goal, maybe a bit of a kick on Guehi, but ultimately just one of those things that happen sometimes. Zoom right in and it looks like a foul - but once you zoom in and don't give the foul, then what's the fucking point in even zooming in?

I think PGMOL just need to can VAR for 99.9% of all decisions. Keep it for black & white stuff but don't bother on the grey stuff, just give control back to the refs on the pitch and let them actually make decisions. I hated it when it came in, things sort of got better just after the pandemic, but it's gone back to being total shit and I hate it more.

Change the offside rule so that it's judged by feet rather than "sleeves" or whatever, keep using the semi-auto technology for offsides, and the keep goal line buzzer. Bin the rest off. It's getting us absolutely nowhere, causing more muscle injuries, sending fans loopy, sending players and managers round the twist, and ruining the game.
 
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wolviedinho said:
Yes.

City is also shit.
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The 2 are not mutually exclusive.

Disparity in officiating doesn't just positively effect one team, it also has a negative effect on the other team in terms if how they have to approach the game, and it 100% effects the decision making process of the players and the manager.
 
roubaixtuesday said:
Every set of fans in the entire league thinks this.

But just think about how difficult it would be to actually orchestrate such a conspiracy * and* keep it quiet.

It's ridiculous and embarrassing. Focus on our game.
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Show me another team that has had this many decisions against them the last few weeks. It's blatant cheating. They make rules up every week after these decisions too
 
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