Match Day Thread Russia 2018

  • Please bear with us on the new site integration and fixing any known bugs over the coming days. If you can not log in please try resetting your password and check your spam box. If you have tried these steps and are still struggling email [email protected] with your username/registered email address
  • Log in now to remove adverts - no adverts at all to registered members!

How far will England get?

  • Group stage

  • Last 16

  • Quarter finals

  • Semi finals

  • Runner up

  • Winner


Results are only viewable after voting.
Is it a penalty? Borderline in my view. I'm slightly on the side of it not being a penalty (largely because his arm is down by his side), but I do think there is an element of his hand going towards the ball. If the referee gives a penalty there (original decision), then I'm not complaining.

But again, it's irrelevant. There is no way that it is clear and obvious. That is the relevant point, and they've got it wrong.

It has to be deliberate Brendy his hand may have moved towards the ball but he wasn't even looking at it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pydo
The referee made the decision not VAR.

The VAR referred it though. So for me, they are at fault more than the referee.

I've continuously said that the clear and obvious stance lies with the VAR. If it isn't clear and obvious, no further involvement from the onfield referee is required. The VAR clears the check, and we carry on. Only ask the referee to come over and review the footage if it is clear and obvious.

From the moment the referee comes over, he is potentially looking something for the very first time (ie if he missed the onfield incident). He is the referee in charge of the game. So when he sees something for the first time, he is duly making the decision that he would have made had he seen it. Now that might still be the wrong decision in people's view. But the VAR-related issue is that someone has felt the need to refer it in the first place.
 
It has to be deliberate Brendy his hand may have moved towards the ball but he wasn't even looking at it.

Which is largely why I think it is borderline, with me siding on no penalty. I personally don't think it was deliberate.

But it does hit his hand, and there does appear to be a movement towards the ball. So I don't think it's slam dunk, clear cut.
 
I think France have been poor and Croatia very good- yet two bad decisions have cost Croatia dear! No way a pen and a total dive for the free kick (and Pogba was offside and jumped for the ball - so should be given no matter who actually touched it...).
 
  • Like
Reactions: It'sOnlyAGame
If Kane wasn't already nervous, he should be now.

There's a risk - if France want to - that this could get very, very messy for Croatia now.