I no longer have a clue..............some would say that I never had a clue ......perhaps that makes me overqualified to be a referee or operate VAR.
In recent games ( especially in the EPL ), there has been an incredible number of decisions by referees and VAR that are beyond normal comprehension.
I cannot say what part (if any), of the body constitutes the hand. (( an extended hand - in an offside position is now deemed to be a body part with which you can score - hence the player is offside !! ))
I cannot understand how a player isn't booked (eg, Joelinton ), for an outrageous pull of the shirt ........ one of the worst I have ever seen.......... and shirt-pulling actually being seen by a linesman is not part of their job description !
And in the last couple of days, I see that diving has become a new year resolution for certain players -- and this form of cheating is being given a helping hand ( or not hand -- if you get my drift ), by referees -- who must seem to think that by simply blowing into the ear of an opponent amounts to enough physical contact to award a penalty.
There is differing opinion between football fans, regarding whether or not football is / is not a 'contact' sport... Purists may say that the sport is solely concerned with contact between ball and feet (or head - definitely not a hand) -- and that there should be no requirement for any physical contact between players......
....In reality, there cannot be non contact between the players. .. but that contact needs to be regulated equitably, sensibly and proportionally.... How often do we see terrible fouls (outside of the penalty box), go unpunished.... How often do we see soft fouls ( or -not a foul ) in a penalty area resulting in a spot kick ?..... On each of those occasions, the decision bewilders all players and fans - from both sides.
What I find particularly galling is when an obvious foul in the penalty area is unpunished - yet the identical contact is deemed a free kick anywhere else on the pitch.
Yesterday, Liverpool were awarded a couple of penalties... The second one was as a result of the tiniest contact from the defender--- which caused a delayed reaction from Diaz before he 'fell' (dived?) .... Despite VAR involvement, the original decision to award a penalty was upheld - because there was 'contact' between the players.................In my defence, I raise the argument because when we hear a Referee 'pundit' on Sky (etc), they talk about not enough contact ((for a penalty)), from a defender, when the referee gives nothing...... confused ?? - you should be !
Oh well, I suppose it is pantomime season - where more rubbish is improvised and the cast make it up as they go along.....a bit like my ramblings - of which, you can anticipate much more in the next 12 months.........
....Happy New Year to all ((( except Diaz - I will delay my best wishes to him - for when he's ready to take a dive )))