The Importance of the Game to Fans
After dedicating over five decades to football in various roles, I have seen significant transformations both on and off the pitch. The game, often described as “the people’s game” by the legendary Bill Shankly, rightfully belongs to the fans. Today’s supporters invest substantial sums on season tickets, merchandise, and travel, showcasing their passion for their teams. Therefore, when reflecting on potential improvements to football, my focus remains on the aspects that would serve the fans best.
My primary concern lies with the increasing prominence of referees and Video Assistant Referees (VAR), overshadowing the essence of the game.
VAR’s Role Needs Adjustment
It is evident that VAR has become an integral part of modern football, yet the manner in which it currently operates requires reevaluation. The technology should assist rather than dominate the narrative of the match.
Television has significantly advanced our national sport, introducing substantial investments into facilities and attracting top talent. However, this increase in coverage, coupled with detailed analysis and pundit discussions, has led to the rise of VAR as a tool to correct glaring refereeing errors, such as notorious incidents like Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal or Thierry Henry’s handball.
When applied correctly, VAR has the potential to be a fantastic asset; however, we are witnessing an alarming trend of overuse that necessitates correction. In the past, referees were often unnoticed during games — a sign of effective officiating. Today, it’s impossible for fans to overlook them due to constant communication and video review interruptions, which disrupts the flow of the match.
Suggested Changes for VAR Implementation
It is common to witness a referral where we have quickly formed our opinions, only to wait several minutes for VAR to arrive at the same conclusion. I propose that referees at Stockley Park should have a two-minute limit to review any situation. If a judgment cannot be made within that timeframe, it cannot be deemed “clear and obvious”, which is the standard that should govern these reviews.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to have a former player or professional involved in the VAR process to provide an experienced perspective. Based on the background of Howard Webb, head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, integrating ex-players alongside VAR officials could yield more balanced and well-informed decisions.
Moreover, I advocate for stopping the game clock to account for injuries, delays for VAR checks, and time-wasting, which should be at the referee’s discretion. This would provide clarity about the time remaining in matches, eliminating the current uncertainty surrounding additional time.
Restoring Referees’ Presence
Referees are ultimately accountable and guided by their governing bodies, and there must be a step back from the excessive focus on their contributions. We need a system that allows referees to fade from public discussion, refocusing attention on the matches themselves instead of contentious officiating.
I sometimes empathize with referees, as many of the complications arise from recent changes in regulations that convolute straightforward decisions. An instance from a recent game between Manchester City and Liverpool showcased the confusion around offside calls, influenced by new interpretations of the rules.
These complexities lead to subjectivity in officiating, which distracts from the joy of the game. The overcomplication of handball regulations has erased clear understanding and enjoyment, making successful officiating an uphill task for referees.
Let’s simplify the game again, restoring the excitement of football where the dialogue is centered around goals scored rather than decisions made by officials.