http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...Poll-reveals-secrets-footballs-dark-arts.html I've long held the view (unproven of course) that one of the reasons video technology is being held back in football is because it makes it harder to influence games. In sports like cricket, they take corruption seriously and are doing what they can to stamp it out - they don't gloss over it. Suspicions are properly investigated. Suspicions in football however are laughed off as 'conspiracy theories' as if it could never happen and it's crazy to think it could (despite some high profile cases of corruption that did leak out - e.g. Marseille / Juventus..). The decisions that go for teams like Utd and Barcelona, if nothing else, are highly suspicious - and from what Poll is revealing here, there is not that big a leap to outright bribery. It's time for video replays, so that we can make it as hard as possible for anyone not actually playing to influence the results of games.
I'll second the vote on VT too. Too long in coming IMHO. Then we'll see more than a little more fairness and hopefully, considerably less cheatin'
I don't want video replay, but I would like a 5th referee to be in a booth with a monitor and wired into the comms with the ref. If the referee isn't sure, he should be able to chat with a ref that watches the replay. I don't want formal challenges like tennis, but would like something like the rugby system. I also think we should be allowed to listen in to the ref. These guys have to realise that they are integral to the game. They need to be more accountable, better paid and part of the entertainment.
What you have described is fine - its still using video to make decisions. I'd also be against the 'challenges' rule or the ref going to a video booth during the game as they do in say American Football.
I think it would help with intimidation too. Let's not underestimate the fact that the players on the field will not be able to intimidate the 5th referee. The referee on the ground can say, "No use complaining to me mate, it's the guy up in the booth you need to talk to!"
The solution is simple. someone with a monitor who can review key decisions, was the ball over the line, was it a penalty, was a it a red card. Simple and a decision can be made in 10 seconds. The argument that it slows down the game is bollox, 20 players running after the ref complaining slows down the game more, might give players more respect for the ref when he is getting 99% of key decisions right !
we need enforcement of the basic rules, and a panel to examine these player dives, shirt-pulling, punches etc. refs should tell the captains and players that no more than the captain and 1 other can approach the ref to discuss a decision. Contact with the Ref is risking immediate red-card- no jostling, no in-yer-face yelling. After games end - a panel should sit and review video of incidents reported by each Club Manager only. Yellows and Reds to be awarded if decided. Discipline will gradually be regained for the good of the game.
