RateTheRef

Quote from: DublinRef on Sun 08 Nov 2020 18:49

Quote from: bmb on Sun 08 Nov 2020 17:56

Quote from: Readingfan on Sun 08 Nov 2020 15:00

Quote from: ajb95 on Sun 08 Nov 2020 14:43

We finally have the first penalty awarded for a player kicking the ball at a defenders hand! Congratulations Anthony Taylor 

Dermot Gallagher has always said that Stockley Park was sealed off and there was no communication with the outside world whilst the VAR officials were in operation. Clearly wrong as Sky have just shown Neil Swarbrick in there at half-time speaking to Stuart Attwell - and making lots of gestures with his arms!

Footage of Neil Swarbrick inside the VAR area earlier.

https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1325453036773322755

Maybe people will think I'm overreacting, say they're all colleagues, talk regularly, its an informal chat etc etc. But I think that is somewhat inappropriate, for two reasons -

1. PGMOL have, from what I've seen, said that the VAR is essentially sealed away during the game, this clip throws that into doubt even if it is at half time
2. The contents of the conversation being unknown will lead people to conclude that the VAR is influenced or advised by Swarbrick, this raises obvious questions over whether or not Swarbrick or others have any interaction during the game itself

I am not for one second suggesting that the latter is actually happening, my main point is the optics of this - it could lead one to doubt, somewhat, the integrity of the process

Completely agree. If he has got it wrong, and I have not watched so offer zero opinion on that, then there is a time & place for Neil Swarbrick to give him guidance* & half time is not that time. It is a time when he should not be anywhere near him for any reason whatsoever if for no other reason than to protect the integrity of the VAR & whole process.  *We have no way to tell what is being said so I'm not assuming that is what is happening in the clip, just a suggestion.

If Stuart has asked for guidance because he really doesn't know what the decision should be because the HB law is absolutely dreadful and the very strict harsh FIFA guidelined interpretations make it even more so, then the only people he should discuss it with are the on field referee and maybe get input from the AVAR as well. They are a legitimate member of the team. I'm sure he could 'play' the system enough to be able to say over the mic, do you know what, I have no idea if it is or isn't, can you do an onfield review and call it how you see it.  Rather that than images coming out that look bad whichever way you look at them.  Any further guidance either he wants to seek with his boss or his boss wants to seek with him must not occur until after the final whistle has gone.

Totally agree, while I am not in any doubt whatsoever of anyone's integrity as individuals, I do think the integrity of the process itself is somewhat compromised by this.

I see from Readingfan that Dale Johnson (who seems like he's honorary PGMOL spokesperson) has clarified this is a regular occurrence but I think official clarification is needed from the PGMOL on the nature and purpose of Swarbrick's communication with the VAR officials and how/if it is allowed under the protocols.