FFS...... i HATE THESE USELESS REFS.. BOUT TIME WE BROUGHT IN VIDEO DECISIONS...

Look the bloke has made a howler under the rules and in the eyes of anyone who actually understands them (Pelligrini and RAW excluded). Gouffran clearly did not interfere with play and it was a goal. He had a **** game generally as he had clearly seen his howler at half time and set about trying to make things right 2nd half as we got the majority of 50/50 decisions. The atmosphere was white hot after the howler and was probably a taxing atmosphere for any ref. All that said when things have calmed down and you are looking with a cool head, does the bloke really deserve some demotion down the leagues based on one game? I don't know how he has done in other games for instance? Maybe he has done really well so far? They are never going to get these things perfect.

I can certainly see a case for TV replays to be used but believe this should only be when there is a clear doubt regarding a goal (as in this case or the ball crossing the line), or there are controversial circumstances where the refs view was blocked. You'll still get howlers, look at cricket! What I am completely against is just looking at every single instance. One such thing was mentioned recently when HBA crossed a ball against Stoke. Taking that situation to the far end of a fart could see a farce ensue. The number of times in any given game where its debateable if a ball has gone out for a corner or throw is significant. You'll take the flow out of the game. Its not a slow paced game like cricket or tennis. Rugby has it about right and even then there are far more breaks in play again. We have to be very careful with video evidence use as it could result in something far removed from the football we love.

As for the offside rules, yeah it is complicated compared to the old days but I have no issue with it. Its still pretty obvious what is and isn't offside.

 

and Milner and possibly Hart.......wait I see a connection here........