VAR Discussion Thread | 2024/25

[johnnytapia]

Not that I've noticed.

He posted how great it was to see Liverpool beat Spurs the other night.
As with this thread, a lone voice howling into the wind.

 

[johnnytapia]

I would welcome 3-4 weeks without VAR - the noise for ‘this is why we need VAR’ would be deafening.

Like it was deafening before we had it?

Put it to the vote. Simple. And you know the outcome: fucking landslide.

 

[BlueHammer85]

Like it was deafening before we had it?

Put it to the vote. Simple. And you know the outcome: fucking landslide.

Yes, it was deafening to introduce VAR once the tech was being used elsewhere - fans had enough of the farcical decisions and wanted it in the game.

Clubs voted to keep it 19 to 1 - why is that? When all fans think there club is being screwed over by VAR ?

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

Yes, it was deafening to introduce VAR once the tech was being used elsewhere - fans had enough of the farcical decisions and wanted it in the game.

Clubs voted to keep it 19 to 1 - why is that? When all fans think there club is being screwed over by VAR ?

Fans have had enough of the farcical decision WITH it.

 

[BlueHammer85]

Fans have had enough of the farcical decision WITH it.

And you really think they will be happier without it ? The noise is deafing for Man Utd’s offside, Newcastle’s non goal, Leyton Orient red card, and that’s just this weekend- would be like this every weeeknd. Fair enough some prefer without, but not for me - injustices without VAR are to much.

 

[johnnytapia]

Yes, it was deafening to introduce VAR once the tech was being used elsewhere - fans had enough of the farcical decisions and wanted it in the game.

Clubs voted to keep it 19 to 1 - why is that? When all fans think there club is being screwed over by VAR ?

Let the fans have their say. Mullered.

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

And you really think they will be happier without it ? The noise is deafing for Man Utd’s offside, Newcastle’s non goal, Leyton Orient red card, and that’s just this weekend- would be like this every weeeknd. Fair enough some prefer without, but not for me - injustices without VAR are to much.

The issues with VAR is the lack of expedience in decision making, and mor importantly the absolute lack of transparency in the decision making process and lack of accountability when a mistake is made, especially when the technology exists purely to ensure mistakes are not made.

Imagine the same in international banking, another industry where decisions can have have £multi-million consequences:

"We have systems in place to makes sure all decisions are above board and mistakes are never made"

"But there is a huge hole in your balance sheet"

"Oh well, mistakes happen"

"But you said..."

"Shush"

 

[pudge]

Been saying it for years and this weekend was as much proof as you'd ever need.

Nothing against VAR being brought in, the problem has always been the actual standard of officiating.

The same shit officials are still shit even after 5+ years of VAR. It hasn't improved them, which is the bigger problem.

If you can't drive a car but are given a car that drives itself, you'll get from A to B more often than not but you'll still be a terrible driver.

VAR is nothing more than another safety net for officials, always has been. It was never about tackling the problem because that would mean they'd have to admit there is a problem.

 

[BlueHammer85]

Been saying it for years and this weekend was as much proof as you'd ever need.

Nothing against VAR being brought in, the problem has always been the actual standard of officiating.

The same shit officials are still shit even after 5+ years of VAR. It hasn't improved them, which is the bigger problem.

If you can't drive a car but are given a car that drives itself, you'll get from A to B more often than not but you'll still be a terrible driver.

VAR is nothing more than another safety net for officials, always has been. It was never about tackling the problem because that would mean they'd have to admit there is a problem.

Maybe the speed and nature of the game is just impossible for a ref and lino to officiate? All I’ve ever heard since watching the game is ‘they’re not good enough’ and ‘they are not up to standard’ … Is there not a time where maybe no matter how good the officials are it’s just impossible to get every big call correct 100% of the time in a fast paced sport, players cheating, diving, appealing for everything, same for managers and coaches on the sideline and hostile crowds appealing for everything often in decisions which are such fine margins - officials need some form of help and always will.

 

[GoatsDomeWax]

The problem is a lack of consistency.
What happens in one game is decided differently in another game.
If the Laws of the game were applied more evenly, then there would be less of a problem.
And the idea that it takes 2 minutes to decide an offside or not.
If it's not clear after 30 seconds, the decision of the referee should stand.
Just my opinion.

 

[pudge]

Maybe the speed and nature of the game is just impossible for a ref and lino to officiate? All I’ve ever heard since watching the game is ‘they’re not good enough’ and ‘they are not up to standard’ … Is there not a time where maybe no matter how good the officials are it’s just impossible to get every big call correct 100% of the time in a fast paced sport, players cheating, diving, appealing for everything, same for managers and coaches on the sideline and hostile crowds appealing for everything often in decisions which are such fine margins - officials need some form of help and always will.

Maybe the fact they have zero accountability, next to no top level playing experience and transferable knowledge and can hide behind the privacy of PGMOL for everything from match reports to decision making just makes them too comfortable in their position to actual give a fuck about being better?

They don't need MORE help, they need held to a standard that every working person is in every job apart from that of an official apparently.

Bring in actual repercussions and they'll buck their ideas up.

 

[BlueHammer85]

Maybe the fact they have zero accountability, next to no top level playing experience and transferable knowledge and can hide behind the privacy of PGMOL for everything from match reports to decision making just makes them too comfortable in their position to actual give a fuck about being better?

They don't need MORE help, they need held to a standard that every working person is in every job apart from that of an official apparently.

Bring in actual repercussions and they'll buck their ideas up.

They have to go through rigorous training programmes, loads of stages of qualifications and have to pass fitness tests. Modern day refs are as good as they’ve ever been - it’s just ridiculously level of scrutiny where every match is televised and one officiating mistake is highlighted on social media and discussed to the the nth degree.
It’s a poison chalice job.

 

[pudge]

They have to go through rigorous training programmes, loads of stages of qualifications and have to pass fitness tests. Modern day refs are as good as they’ve ever been - it’s just ridiculously level of scrutiny where every match is televised and one officiating mistake is highlighted on social media and discussed to the the nth degree.
It’s a poison chalice job.

Is it fuck

They no more have challenges to the top of their profession than any other line of work, they're not special.

If you fuck up, you'll get sacked. End of. No matter how much training and dedication you've put in.

They're not fit for purpose, they're more focused on their careers after the fact and they have the job security that everyone dreams of. Accountability is paramount, how that's even up for discussion is beyond me. No matter how badly you want to wank them all off

 

[Bluekiwi]

Just been watching a lot of 20/20 cricket games here in NZ. Lots of referrals to the third umpire. Clear and concise descriptions of what the video person wanted to see broadcast over the PA system and in the majority of cases the reviews were quick and consistent. But there was one instance where a batsman thought he had been caught on the boundary. The video review spent a couple of minutes very carefully examining each frame of the bowler's action and on one it clearly showed his foot was not on the bowling crease - ergo - no ball, not out. A frustrating length of time but the video ref wanted to make absolutely certain his "gut instinct" was correct. Throughout the analysis he continually advised everyone what he was looking at. None of this VAR quick single frame review and then my decision that seems to happen regularly for specific red shirted teams.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Is it fuck

They no more have challenges to the top of their profession than any other line of work, they're not special.

If you fuck up, you'll get sacked. End of. No matter how much training and dedication you've put in.

They're not fit for purpose, they're more focused on their careers after the fact and they have the job security that everyone dreams of. Accountability is paramount, how that's even up for discussion is beyond me. No matter how badly you want to wank them all off

You sound like you’d be good at it. (Rolls eyes)

It’s a fucking hard job, where millions of people get to watch you work, get super slo-mo replays, from multiple angles, with zoom lenses, and no matter what decision you make, half the people watching will heartily and vociferously disagree with it!

While I agree that some level of transparency and accountability is important, we have to make sure we don’t make perfect the enemy of good or we will never have any referees.

Additionally, I agree some level of football playing experience is preferred, but because of the time and effort that goes into being a Pro Referee, it’s hard to rise to any serious level as a footballer and then transition to top level officiating.

One of my college roommates was a bang average College Soccer player and went on to be a Pro Referee in the States. He believed his experience as a player helped him understand the game better, but said that many, if not most, of his decisions had nothing to do with being a player and more to do with the edicts from on high regarding the Laws of the Game, and occasionally what was being emphasized at any particular time.

Do you remember when they said holding and grabbing, etc…at a corner kick was going to be cracked down on? We had penalties galore for the first few weeks of the season, then it quietly petered out and we are now at the WWF level of holding in the box for corners!

I think most people dislike the INCONSISTENCY we see from game to game and ref to ref. For example, the Laws of the Game are the same for City vs Real Madrid on Tuesday as they were for Leyton Orient vs City on Saturday, but EVERYONE knows the refereeing will be completely different. And I do mean COMPLETELY! And, possibly even between the teams depending on the ref’s agenda!

While I’m glad to see more refs allowing more physicality in the PL, the level allowed to be shown on Saturday was over the top. Even without scything tackles and over the top blocks, players are susceptible to injury simply because of the nature of the modern game, but there has to be limits.

 

[johnnytapia]

Just been watching a lot of 20/20 cricket games here in NZ. Lots of referrals to the third umpire. Clear and concise descriptions of what the video person wanted to see broadcast over the PA system and in the majority of cases the reviews were quick and consistent. But there was one instance where a batsman thought he had been caught on the boundary. The video review spent a couple of minutes very carefully examining each frame of the bowler's action and on one it clearly showed his foot was not on the bowling crease - ergo - no ball, not out. A frustrating length of time but the video ref wanted to make absolutely certain his "gut instinct" was correct. Throughout the analysis he continually advised everyone what he was looking at. None of this VAR quick single frame review and then my decision that seems to happen regularly for specific red shirted teams.

Football ain’t cricket. Or rugby.
Let the ref / linesman make the call - and take the rough with the smooth and let’s get back to the instantaneous delirium of scoring a goal.

 

[Blue Mist]

I was at the match so perhaps someone sat in the comfort of their living room can tell me what the fuck was going on for our first goal.

If a decision can't be made within 30 seconds Var should be ignored.
I still do not know what they were checking, they couldn't be arsed telling us.
Match going fans are sick of it

 

[TinFoilHat]

Semi automatic offside being ran by a Scouser tonight?

 

[Blue Mist]

Semi automatic offside being ran by a Scouser tonight?

But it's quicker and more reliable they told us.

 

[TheBeautifulGame]

Been saying it for years and this weekend was as much proof as you'd ever need.

Nothing against VAR being brought in, the problem has always been the actual standard of officiating.

The same shit officials are still shit even after 5+ years of VAR. It hasn't improved them, which is the bigger problem.

If you can't drive a car but are given a car that drives itself, you'll get from A to B more often than not but you'll still be a terrible driver.

VAR is nothing more than another safety net for officials, always has been. It was never about tackling the problem because that would mean they'd have to admit there is a problem.

The standard of officiating has taken a nose dive since VAR was introduced, as a direct result of changes to the laws that were put in specifically to accommodate VAR. Take the handball rule, no one knows what a handball is anymore, we all knew exactly what a handball was before VAR.

VAR has muddied the waters when it comes to how officials make decisions. VAR undermines the referee's authority by forcing him to second guess himself any time a critical decision is made, which erodes his confidence in himself.