Ref Watch City Games - 2023/24

This thread is getting bogged down in back and forths a bit, so let me try to summarise some "truths".

Referees have a very difficult job. You wouldn't catch me wanting to do it. Personally, I don't buy that they are all hopeless, I think they are each capable of doing a good job. How many times have we seen a referee in a match, maybe in Europe, and say: he did well there, why can't he always referee like that?

They are under increasing and, possibly, more aggressive scrutiny each year (VAR hasn't helped at all with this in my view) and this leads to more pressure on the poor bastards.

They clearly have to make very complicated judgments very quickly with 22 grown men constantly trying to cheat them (something that should be cracked down more forcefully than it is, imho). They will always get some decisions wrong, and I personally don't have a problem with that, but it clearly will give rise to accusations of bias from any fan base when decisions go against their team. That's just human nature.

Anyone have any problems with any of that?
 
I think this. Fernandez ran straight to Cann pointing out that Rashford didn't touch the ball, as if this is the sole determining factor for whether or not he was offside. Cann replied "I know, I'm going to recommend the goal should stand". He did recommend this to Attwell. All this within 5 seconds of the goal being scored.

Attwell has no backbone or independent thought process. His experienced assistant, recently back from officiating the Workd Cup final says the goal was ok, so that's good enough for him. Goal!

Was there any proper discussion? No. Was Oliver asked his opinion? Probably not, or he might have declined to comment as it wasn't for him to intervene on a matter of opinion, only fact.

Should Oliver have intervened? A hundred times yes! He should have said "What the hell are you two playing at? This is the most obvious offside ever. Take your time, go look at the screen, and make the correct decision based on all the circumstances".

The result? Attwell makes a mistake, but only a slight one, and it is after all a matter of opinion whether or not Rashford interfered with play. Cann gets away scot-free for his failure to know the meaning of interference. Oliver says it's nothing to do with him, as he wasn't consulted, and it's an opinion based decision, not a factual one.

All three of them guilty of favouring the mighty Manchester United, not wishing to go against the establishment for fear of career repercussions. Webb equally as bad for not fully investigating and punishing them. It's all about protecting the brand though.

What are your thoughts? Brain farts all round?

The World Cup linesman flagged it offside.
 
This thread is getting bogged down in back and forths a bit, so let me try to summarise some "truths".

Referees have a very difficult job. You wouldn't catch me wanting to do it. Personally, I don't buy that they are all hopeless, I think they are each capable of doing a good job. How many times have we seen a referee in a match, maybe in Europe, and say: he did well there, why can't he always referee like that?

They are under increasing and, possibly, more aggressive scrutiny each year (VAR hasn't helped at all with this in my view) and this leads to more pressure on the poor bastards.

They clearly have to make very complicated judgments very quickly with 22 grown men constantly trying to cheat them (something that should be cracked down more forcefully than it is, imho). They will always get some decisions wrong, and I personally don't have a problem with that, but it clearly will give rise to accusations of bias from any fan base when decisions go against their team. That's just human nature.

Anyone have any problems with any of that?
Thanks for typing out my argument. My challenge of this human nature seems to be the main bone of contention.

I would add that the rhetoric around bias/corruption is exponentially increasing and if it doesn’t calm down, there will be less referees leading to poorer ones rising to the top and exacerbating peoples’ ire at perceived corruption.

We will reap what we sow and fulfil a self-proclaimed prophecy.
 

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