The FA got the result it needed to keep interest in their product alive. No money to be wrung out of a competition that is virtually over in January.
I've read enough on the "footballisfixed" blog to understand about betting syndicates in SE Asia, the FA's promotion of the game, and Liverpool's large fanbase over there. I've seen enough games with repeat dubious decisions not to be extremely suspicious of Friend's decision making yesterday.
Once a referee goes to VAR, he had damn well be correct with his decision because the whole world is watching. Yesterday Friend exposed himself as being either extremely incompetent or corrupt; it's either one or the other. Given the numerous decisions that went Liverpool's way, particularly their second goal which was clearly offside and interfering with play and the penalty which all and sundry, fans, pundits, ex-players, even Clattenberk himself (!) has said was never a penalty, I'm leaning to the corrupt side of the equation.

Edited by southnorwoodhill (24 Jan 2022 9.39am)

I'm not one for conspiracy theories, but something feels very plausible about this. The money men drive the PL, and Liverpool winning was good for them.

The FA got the result it needed to keep interest in their product alive. No money to be wrung out of a competition that is virtually over in January.
I've read enough on the "footballisfixed" blog to understand about betting syndicates in SE Asia, the FA's promotion of the game, and Liverpool's large fanbase over there. I've seen enough games with repeat dubious decisions not to be extremely suspicious of Friend's decision making yesterday.
Once a referee goes to VAR, he had damn well be correct with his decision because the whole world is watching. Yesterday Friend exposed himself as being either extremely incompetent or corrupt; it's either one or the other. Given the numerous decisions that went Liverpool's way, particularly their second goal which was clearly offside and interfering with play and the penalty which all and sundry, fans, pundits, ex-players, even Clattenberk himself (!) has said was never a penalty, I'm leaning to the corrupt side of the equation.

Edited by southnorwoodhill (24 Jan 2022 9.39am)

Me to. It’s happening not just to Palace but across the board far to often . To many decisions now are not just incorrect they are farcical. That pen didn’t need a second look , and if it got one it was clearly not a penalty, So how did it become one?
The off side should have got a second look. So why wasn’t it called off side. ?
If ,Friend and Pawson are that bad.. they shouldn’t be let near a top game. But of course we know they will be. These two need a stewards inquiry.

Definatley corrupt . Along with the t*** that was on VAR, I was expecting us to lose or draW to tell the truth , but to get mugged and robbed is different . At least a mugger will look you in the eye when he robs you and not hide behind the FA .