We have had two weekends in a row where the match officials in the Premier League have made massive blunders. Blunders that are costing sides much needed points in what may turn out to be a very close season.
Last weekend we saw harry Maguire of Manchester United impede César Azpilicueta of Chelsea only for the referee to ignore the incident. Replays clearly showed it was a foul and a penalty. I am not saying Everton would have won the match as goals do change games but it was a possible three points instead on one.
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Schmeichel was not impeded and the goal should have been allowed. The ball never touched the Arsenal player so offside should not come into it either.
Last night Arsenal had the ball in the back of the net on more than one occasion with none of them being allowed. The one goal where the match officials said the defender was impeding the goal keeper was laughable as he was more than 1 meter away from him.
What does not make sense is the officials have their touch line assistants plus the VAR who is supposedly a qualified referee and they also have an assistant. It is taking 5 officials to screw this up and the referee who is in charge needs to take full blame.
The referee is in charge of the game and everyone else is there to make sure he makes the right decision. The touch side monitor is available if he is not sure and in my honest opinion should be checking regularly over riding his assistants.
This is not difficult and Dermot Gallagher an ex referee is having trouble trying to cover for their mistakes. Dermot is a guest on Sky Sports and is there for any questions dealing with the officiating. he doesn't want to slander anyone but it is high time people came out and called it for what it is.
There is nothing wrong with the technology and the idea behind using it as it should be straight forward. The problem lies with the people running and refereeing the game. surely it is high time after the incompetence shown that these individuals are removed and replaced. I would also suggest a few ex players involved with VAR who are there for guidance. This needs to be rectified otherwise the league is becoming a joke.
The other day I mentioned that a possible answer is to offer each team a white card where they can flag something they are not happy with. If found to be correct they get to keep the card until it is over ruled. The match official would have to go to the touch side monitor to make this call and I believe it would make things far more even with everyone having the same opportunity. The card could be used at any time and you have only one shot at it if you get it wrong.
What would make it easy for teams is they would have an official of their own or someone that understands the rules watching a monitor close by who would then highlight when to use their card. I believe this is the only system that would work right now until the standards of the officiating are raised.
