RateTheRef

Quote from: Leggy on Sun 19 Mar 2023 19:29

First point to make is that I am very pleased that CK dealt with the Fulham manager and captain according to Law.  I sincerely hope that the proverbial book is thrown at both and that long bans follow - along with a clear message that the same will follow for anyone else taking the came course of action.

My second point (and I suspect that this is going to be less well received) is that, like a couple of other correspondents on this forum, I believe that the correct decision should have been given in real time by CK.  And, whilst I have no way of proving it, had this happened the subsequent furore would not have happened.

To illustrate, imagine that this is an FA Cup tie from a few years ago and one of England's top referees has to use his skill, nous and experience to correctly make the big calls.  On seeing what transpired, he whistles, awards a penalty and quickly shows the red card to the offender.  There will be protests, but nothing of this magnitude.

Fast forward to today, I believe that CK has a good clear view of the incident but is not 100% certain (when is anyone 100% certain??).  He knows he has the VAR "safety net" so gives nothing.  He could have given the penalty / red card and he would still have had the same safety net, but I have long believed that VAR is emaciating our top referees and many are too timid to make the big calls, relying on VAR to do that for them.

None of the above is anything close to an excuse for the subsequent behaviour, but our top referees have got where they are today without VAR and VAR is changing the way they officiate, and not for the better.

The reality doesn't back up that view though.  For all he had an excellent game, the fact that VAR corrected the penalty decision means he will be given a 7.9 for an incorrect key match decision.  No referee is going to willingly / knowingly not make a big call because they know they can reply on VAR, as they know a 7.9 will be forthcoming if they do.

It took me several replays to be sure it was intentional handling, and it was really the angle from behind the goal that made my mind up.  Chris Kavanagh got one view, from the worst possible angle, and was looking through much of Willian's torso, there is no way he could be 100% sure from the view he had.

I have a mentee who was only verbally abused yesterday (adults ganging up on a 16 year old girl refereeing her 9th ever game)
Fortunately she seems to be made of strong stuff  stronger than her parents who wouldn't have been averse to her giving up.

Quote from: Readingfan on Mon 20 Mar 2023 14:32

But I don't think it's helpful for managers to start speaking about a referee's previous record, especially when referencing such a small number of games. You'd basically end up in a position where if a referee had one poor game they'd be stopped from refereeing that team again or need to consider the decisions they give against that team the next time they referee them which doesn't sound a good place to be in.

How many years did managers and the media keep going on about Stuart Attwell & the ghost goal, despite it being the AR's call. 15 years on & it still gets mentioned every now and then. Absolutely pathetic! If referees started talking about players and coaches mistakes in every game they had done with them previously they'd have no time left to referee games!

First of all, to echo the majority of the other posts - all three cards correct, Mitrovic actions scandalous and big ban due and on the whole, referee handled the situation well.

But just a couple of points, firstly from the wide angle you can see that when CK gets to the monitor and Silva first approaches him the assitant on the side is drinking from a bottle, so when CK gets his red card out you see him quickly drop the bottle and 'sitch back on' - just an example to all that at no point should you switch off during the match -= even when you thnk the action will be dead

Secondly - and to reiterate, the reaction is ridiculous, but why was CK so quick to get the red out fot Willian? As soon as he walks back to the pitch, when he is 80 yards from the penalty spot and 50 yards from Willian he points for the penalty and waves the red card in Willians direction while stood next to Mitrovic. Now I know the non-league style of bringing the player to one side, confiming the name etc. wouldn't happen - but I still think getting closer to the player may have helped. We are all headed up to that penalty area for the penalty - so just get the card out when you are there.

Well done to the FA who have joined Kav in the act of bravery this evening:

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/march/20/fa-statement/

The statement regarding Mitrovic in particular is extremely saddening yet at least it looks like, for once, APPROPRIATE action will be taken by the FA.