RateTheRef

The situation in Scotland of VAR being introduced midway through next season certainly doesn't seem ideal, although I think pretty much every club has voted for it. I guess it allows players, coaches and match officials in Scotland to have an extra 6 months of regular use of the system and hopefully more correct decisions.

As for the play-off finals, I have slightly mixed feelings. I can understand why some people would be unsure about them introducing them at this stage. But on the other hand, I guess the two teams who've made the final aren't going to change. Regardless of correct or incorrect decisions previously in the season, one of those two teams is going to get promoted depending on that one match so I guess there's an argument you might as well do what you can to try and get any key decisions correct.

I guess League 1/2 final appointments could be affected if VAR was used there. You'd definitely expect them to use SG1 as the VAR and maybe they'd want a referee who had some experience of using it too if possible. 

Quote from: Readingfan on Sat 14 May 2022 12:52

You'd definitely expect them to use SG1 as the VAR and maybe they'd want a referee who had some experience of using it too if possible. 

It would be very unfair on any referee to have their 1st live game with VAR on a major promotion deciding game. All the simulation practical sessions in the world mean diddly squat when you go out there and have that extra voice in your ear.

I think one thing sometimes overlooked when discussions are had about the merits of using VAR in some League/FA Cup games is it could be an opportunity to familiarise new referees with using VAR who might not have the chance during a league season. Round 2 of the League Cup at a PL ground on a non-live TV game is probably a better place to learn than a promotion deciding final for instance.

If they intend to use VAR in L1 and L2 finals then it’s gotta be SG1 officials surely?

Think it is only in the Championship final.

Extremely busy week for Dan Cook who ran the line for 120 mins today and is then running the line in Tuesday in the playoffs. Would replacing him with Simon Bennett not make sense considering it’s Oliver’s usual team and also he did nothing today

Yes would probably make sense but I can't see them changing it

Good job VAR is being used in the final, having seen both legs of Luton v Huddersfield

How has assistant referee Dan Cook ended up with a Forest game so soon after his wrong offside call at Bournemouth a few weeks ago? Very poor

He didn't make a wrong offside call, Constantine Hatzidakis did. If you're going to complain about a wrong call at least get the right official.

Well Olivier is going to have a match report like no other that he needs to send off some, loony Forest fan after the final whistle with the pitch invasion full on ran at 100mph and full on head butted billy sharp