because if it’s a trip, there’s a line there. When you grab hold of someone’s shirt, they often keep going. Once you travel past that line and you’ve still got hold of that shirt, the referee is well within his rights to give his penalty.” The discussion also touched on the potential benefits of VAR in such scenarios, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines.
VAR Implementation: A Necessity?
Bothroyd highlighted the importance of VAR in higher-stakes matches. He said, “There’s a lot of money in the Championship. I played there!
There should be VAR in the Championship. There’s one of the most expensive games in football with the play-offs. I can’t understand why it isn’t there… there’s big decisions happening, missing out on the play-offs and relegation.
There’s a lot at stake. It should be in the Championship by now.” This statement underscores the need for consistent application of technology to ensure fair outcomes across all levels of football.
Millwall Touchline Melee
The discussion also covered the touchline incident involving Millwall and Bristol City, which saw a significant brawl break out at full-time. Dermot Gallagher noted the difficulty in managing such situations: “It’s a little push by the No 12 on Alex Neil and it escalates. In that situation, the referee has to stand back and see if there is an obvious red card he can pick out.
It’s so difficult. The best thing he can do is monitor it, write down what he can see and pass it to the FA.”
Pitch Abandonments: A Growing Concern
A pressing issue discussed was the increasing number of abandoned matches due to unplayable pitches. Gallagher highlighted the irony in this situation, noting that “The evidence is there. It’s quite ironic that the Ipswich game was abandoned earlier in the season and it was played in midweek, ‘Then the very next game on the Saturday…
I was getting messages saying the pitch was filling up with water. You feel for the referee because he’s in a no-win situation. The players know it’s not playable, the fans have travelled all that way, but it’s impossible.”
Bothroyd added his perspective: “The problem is Blackburn.
They need to sort out their drainage. The fact they’ve had two games called off now, which potentially costs them, it’s terrible.” This call for better stadium management reflects the broader challenges faced by clubs in ensuring match-day readiness.
Conclusion
The discussion on Ref Watch this week highlighted the complex nature of refereeing decisions and the increasing need for technological assistance. While there are ongoing debates about the extent to which VAR should be used, one thing is clear: the impact of these decisions on team fortunes cannot be overstated. As the game continues to evolve, so too must our approach to officiating.
