Arsene Wenger has proposed to the IFAB that a player should be considered onside if any part of their body that can legally score a goal is level with the second-last defender. It's due to be trialled in the near future I think that would be a good thing - more goals would be scored - arguably less VAR controversy
Will a possible rule that disadvantage teams with high defensive lines create more goals? Wouldn't more teams drop rather than risk defending near the half way line?
We could scrap offside altogether and implement a protective ’D’ which only the GK is allowed in - like 5-a-side?
Scrap offside as BCFC suggests, and for Gods sake let's confine VAR to the 'Bad Experiment Bin' once and for all. For something that was supposed to simplify the game and ensure fair play it has failed on every single level and even when there is the chance of a second look at something that happens in the blink of an eye, and despite numerous people being involved, they are still getting it wrong. I hear there are plenty of ex professional players that want to become referees. So let's ditch the incompetent idiots who currently officiate, and replace them with people that have actually played the game and understand it. Ditch VAR and the job's a good 'un !
I really thought VAR would improve the game when it was being discussed - and I still think it COULD be a really useful tool if applied properly. I said from the start that the referee should be able to call upon VAR if he needed to about a 'major' decision - like a penalty or a sending off, but ONLY if he wanted to view an incident from a different angle to be sure. If the Referee doesn't ask for VAR then it shouldn't be used. The Referee on the pitch is in charge of the game and VAR should be there ONLY if he asks for it. I also said that the team CAPTAINS should be able to ask the referee to call upon VAR, if they disputed a 'major' decision, but under the threat of a yellow card for timewasting if the original decision was upheld. That would limit the number of unfounded challenges to 2 at the most, and deter players from cheating. Like I said, I'm in favour of VAR in principle, but hate the way it's currently being used. (I suppose if VAR was used at Ashton Gate a few years ago, we would have lost 'that' game vs Colin's Palarse with the 'ghost' goal!!!! )
Wasn’t there an offside decision against us as well though, on which case they would have evened themselves out
A lot of referees have played football. A lot of footballers have not refereed and do not know the rules. What we are seeing is a lot of change. Too much. Referees, players, coaches cant keep up with the changes and interpretations. Football evolved slowly.
What I meant was that referees have not played the game at a professional level, and there is a huge difference between the amateur game and the professional one and the expectations of competence.
Competence is reflected by refs levels. Levels that are awarded v competency. There are a lot of demanding and assessed levels which refs have to work through to gain the status to ref at Southern League level. The demands, expectations increase at each level v assess proficiency accordingly. That players do not become top level referees reflects how challenging it is to become one. I could be cynical and state many of criticisms from ex pros directed at referees are from those who would not commit to the work to become one, and can also undermine the roles refs have - TV analysts regularly comment negatively on refs rulings when they do not understand the rules themselves.
Football is game that both sides have the same aim to win … or … not get beaten! Cheating or other tactic meaning to or accidental is judged by the referee. Bring in spectators and it adds another layer, bring in sponsors yet another. GONE it seems, when the referee was in charge of the game! he is fast becoming just a whistle blower with decisions being monitored off the pitch and a little thumb nail size device in his ear telling him "we think that might be a foul or …." the referee should be in charge ..full stop.. with the interference from off pitch evolving them into lesser "interested/ attentive" individuals. 2 challenges by team captains might be a good idea.... unlike cricket where it sort of works [ get x seconds to decide, is a slower game! ] that could be stumbling block! Although the ref would most likely have blown his whistle to give something …. then could be a challenge of course, when he doesn't would need working on!
