Derby Ref

[Gaffa]

I'm more concerned about Atkinson stitching us up than Dean

 

[Tipp blue]

You could have an Evertonian reffing the game and they´d still win by at least 3.

I saw the thread title and the first thing I thought was that I could ref this one and Everton would still lose.

 

[chrismpw]

What's the clear script for refs to follow?

Oh .... have you not noticed in the last few years that the big selling brands get every decision so they end up in the runners up league?

Just like all roads lead to Rome, all points go to those who attract the tv audiences.

Now it's just possible that if Everton did well then they'd attract the same audiences as any ic the top established clubs - but the media wouldn't countenance any possible risk of losing a penny if income during a transition - ergo any progress from a middling club is blocked by mysteriously bad refereeing decisions.

Don't tell me you've not noticed this?

 

[Deleted member 38674]

Oh .... have you not noticed in the last few years that the big selling brands get every decision so they end up in the runners up league?

Just like all roads lead to Rome, all points go to those who attract the tv audiences.

Now it's just possible that if Everton did well then they'd attract the same audiences as any ic the top established clubs - but the media wouldn't countenance any possible risk of losing a penny if income during a transition - ergo any progress from a middling club is blocked by mysteriously bad refereeing decisions.

Don't tell me you've not noticed this?

Not particularly mate, no. I think when a club like Leicester, with a 30,000 seater stadium, that have spent more time outside the top flight than in it (and that have only spent 5 consecutive years in the Premier League up to now) and have won the league (and look like securing CL Football for a 2nd season this year) completely flies in the face of that theory.

If it were the case that there were a conspiracy by the refs to ensure the elite remain at the top table, I think it's fair to say that you'd expect to see the two biggest brands in English Football (Liverpool and Man United) as almost ever-presents in the runners up league.

In the last 10 years, they have spent 6 years and 3 years respectively, on the outside looking in. No brief period and, for United at least, that looks like continuing.

I believe that referees are human and humans make mistakes (especially under massive amounts of pressure). They don't get the support or respect that they need to do their job properly, either from clubs, players or from the PGMOL.

When you've got fans debating decisions after spending hours and hours, looking at twenty different angles and still not reaching a consensus - while refs have to make a decision, often from an obscured view, in a matter of seconds (and are vilified either way).

 

[Jim Hopper]

Meh makes no difference. Game is a write off anyway.

 

[chrismpw]

Not particularly mate, no. I think Leicester, a club that have only spent 5 consecutive years in the Premier League up to now and have won the league (and look like securing CL Football for a 2nd season this year) fly in the face of that theory.

If it were the case, I think it's fair to say that you'd expect to see the two biggest brands in English Football (Liverpool and Man United) as ever-presents in the runners up league.

In the last 10 years, they have spent 6 years and 3 years respectively, on the outside looking in. No brief period and, for United at least, that looks like continuing.

I believe that referees are human and humans make mistakes (especially under massive amounts of pressure). They don't get the support or respect that they need to do their job properly, either from clubs, players or from the PGMOL.

When you've got fans debating decisions after spending hours and hours, looking at twenty different angles and still not reaching a consensus - while refs have to make a decision, often from an obscured view, in a matter of seconds (and are vilified either way).

I think Leicester are causing their writers problems, but I'm sure they'll find a route to safety while using their success as a smokescreen to their nefarious plotting.

I see pretty obvious things on var that within seconds settles any debate being used to justify whatever suits this year's team, or ensure a draw to keep mid table teams in mid table. At least I did while i still watched.

Football is in the bin for me now. Mug's game.

 

[anton66]

It’s the FA who have handpicked two of their lovebirds to help the rs over the line.

 

[Groucho]

His sons are Anfield season ticket holders.

Apparently he’s a Tranmere fan.

 

[Deleted member 38674]

I think Leicester are causing their writers problems, but I'm sure they'll find a route to safety while using their success as a smokescreen to their nefarious plotting.

I see pretty obvious things on var that within seconds settles any debate being used to justify whatever suits this year's team, or ensure a draw to keep mid table teams in mid table. At least I did while i still watched.

Football is in the bin for me now. Mug's game.

That's sad to hear mate. I don't disagree there have been some poor decisions and the PGMOL have admitted as much. VAR needs work - 100%. There are certainly ways in which the top clubs can 'grease the wheels' or circumnavigate the rules, you've seen it quite a bit with top clubs bribing the best youth players, which is why Chelsea have been punished and they appealed their ban to enable them to make a few signings. Things like that, away from the pitch, are unfortunately always likely to happen.

But on the pitch, with the tempo of the game and the fierce scrutiny of VAR, ref's are more accountable now than they ever were before. it's nigh on impossible for a ref to pursue an agenda in my opinion. They can certainly be influenced to an extent by the crowd and the players around them, but that will always be the case.

I do feel for refs' in many ways because they can't win. Are there any two refs that you would have liked for this fixture?

 

[Everton19]

Doesn’t matter who’s the ref tho there does it we will get f### all anyway from him

 

[N.S.N.O.]

Think I'll just find a pub that night with no tv's and get blind drunk...

 

[Roger Milla]

Not even trying to hide any collusion are they lol

 

[ForeverBlue92]

What a pair of whoppers.

 

[chrismpw]

That's sad to hear mate. I don't disagree there have been some poor decisions and the PGMOL have admitted as much. VAR needs work - 100%. There are certainly ways in which the top clubs can 'grease the wheels' or circumnavigate the rules, you've seen it quite a bit with top clubs bribing the best youth players, which is why Chelsea have been punished and they appealed their ban to enable them to make a few signings. Things like that, away from the pitch, are unfortunately always likely to happen.

But on the pitch, with the tempo of the game and the fierce scrutiny of VAR, ref's are more accountable now than they ever were before. it's nigh on impossible for a ref to pursue an agenda in my opinion. They can certainly be influenced to an extent by the crowd and the players around them, but that will always be the case.

I do feel for refs' in many ways because they can't win. Are there any two refs that you would have liked for this fixture?

I've never really studied refs. They shouldn't really be noticeable or infamous. I'm just at the stage where if I recognise a name then it's not for good reasons - and I recognise this one.

It seems to me that the established more well known ones are the ones most likely to be taking a backhand slice from the authorities. They're the ones most people would respect, the ones with a reputation who could take more flack and get away with it.

To illustrate: I used to rate Collina before he was dragged out of retirement for that ONE game that made sure only 4 English teams, and of them only the bigger saleable brands got into the runners up league.

 

[Deleted member 38674]

I've never really studied refs. They shouldn't really be noticeable or infamous. I'm just at the stage where if I recognise a name then it's not for good reasons - and I recognise this one.

It seems to me that the established more well known ones are the ones most likely to be taking a backhand slice from the authorities. They're the ones most people would respect, the ones with a reputation who could take more flack and get away with it.

To illustrate: I used to rate Collina before he was dragged out of retirement for that ONE game that made sure only 4 English teams, and of them only the bigger saleable brands got into the runners up league.

It's an interesting point, and I agree refs should always fly under the radar.

I'd still say there are a few flys in the ointment with that theory, in that quite a few of the biggest brands in Football aren't at the top table, have been away from it for many years and it looks like continuing (Arsenal, United) while less fashionable teams like Leicester look like getting their 2nd season in the CL in 6 years.