RateTheRef

Quite surprised that Farai Hallam (and others from SG2/NL) get the 4O appointment.

First PL game of the season. Imagine if AT got injured? Would've been a big step up for someone who started last season in the 5th tier and did matches at all levels last season, apart from the PL!

This was an important match at both ends of the table. For me with almost everything sorted in the Prem before this weekend, SG1 officials should’ve taken this game. I thought some of Langford’s decisions were a little baffling.

-Not sure why Latubiediere (sp?) wasn’t booked at all. He must’ve made at least 4-5 fouls.
-How Luis Binks stayed on the pitch, I’ve no idea.
-It’s not a red on Walsh. His third of the season and now on a 5-game ban if not rescinded. Luton have confirmed that they will appeal. I don’t think many people would’ve battered an eye lid for a second yellow, because it was stupid to get involved. Binks’ play acting was a bit ridiculous though.
-With VAR, Izzy Jones could’ve been sent off for violent conduct.

Again, Watford v Luton doesn’t get a SG1 ref. It should be one of the most obvious appointments every year, yet it never occurs. Especially in this case with both clubs with contrasting seasons where this match is of higher importance than usual.

I’ve seen him quite a few times since he became SG2. I’ve not really seen him have a substantially bad game, so I’d argue he would deserve some matches at PL level before long. Don’t think age should necessarily come into it.

The one blot on the copy book yesterday was I felt he was a little picky with some of the fouls he was giving… it was quite an aggressive game without doubt, but barely any set piece went by without some sort of foul being given.

I thought Team Ref were excellent last night BUT you cannot get the timekeeping wrong in a major final like that at the yet. For me that is a 1.5 point deduction to 7.5/10.

Yes there wasn’t a huge number of decisions to be made but a lot of that can be attributed to decent man management too. The occasion alone makes it an incredibly difficult match to officiate.

That isn't handball, however the law says its handball.

Proximity and natural position?

I think the brackets in the title to this thread is important, as it’s clearly a reactionary motion.

It clearly has been raised by the shareholders as Wolves are a shareholder just like the other 19 clubs. They have as much as a right as anyone to raise motions up and vote… doesn’t mean the other clubs have to agree.

I do fear a reactionary approach to this however.

Like it or not, more correct decisions have been made by VAR. I fear some within the game are looking for perfect football… not gunna happen.

I also think that some officials, both on pitch and PGMOL have failed this season with the implementation of the system. Some of the errors should simply not happen, and it isn’t good enough. VARs are not there to re-referee the game. It’s there for howlers and a clear and obvious mistake.

There’s a perception that in UEFA competitions, the implementation is far better. And I think you’ll notice in the upcoming Euros this is proven again. We have the best league in the world, yet our officiating is Tier 2… why?

I had one game this year… Luton v Sheff Utd with Tierney the ref. Two penalties, one for each side, given for handballs. Incredibly marginal, something that no side had appealed for. Yet the game was stopped and reverted back.

Immediately, next season, the communication should be a lot wider. The decision making should be on big screens and voices heard by the crowd. Why are fans sitting in stadiums for 5+ minutes not knowing what’s going on?

My recommendation however would be a radical one - a challenge system akin to cricket and tennis. 1 decision per match, which is then reinstated in the event of a successful review. Why are referees overturning decisions for events that no player or fan in the stadium has appealed for?