I have read this thread with interest and some amusement.

The new 'supremo' Howard Webb is having a 'crisis meeting' of all PL refs and VAR participants today to try and get some unanimity in interpretations and decisions. Lets hope it will improve matters.

I understand there is an increased demand to use the semi-automated VAR used in the World Cup but it seems FIFA have not released it yet for general use.

The VAR decisions were much clearer particularly the graphics.

Nine PL grounds (but not Selhurst) already have the necessary Hawkeye installation to implement the FIFA system. Principally this requires extra cameras and a chip in the ball. Obviously there is a cost element and possible conflict with Adidas balls (used in WC) and Nike's in the PL. This should improve things but it is 'semi automated' which means the human element will still be a factor.

Overall, I don't agree scrapping VAR altogether will be a good thing but it might sharpen up a ref's eyesight at bit and cease relying on the VAR to spot something he hasn't! The West Ham handball being missed by the ref. and VAR was incomprehensible.

Not specifically about VAR but can someone explain to me why a linesman (sorry, ref's assistant) cannot raise his flag for offside until the conclusion of the move? Makes no sense to me.

Apparently there are different levels of installation with the automated offsides – chip in ball is not mandatory. Extra cameras are, though.

Re. linesman flagging, it's for tight calls to ensure that whatever decision is made (offside/onside) the phase of play finishes rather than gets stopped prematurely.

Why? In case a player is put through and scores. In the old system the linesman would flag and the ref would stop the game before the goal went in. New system, if the flag goes up once the ball goes in the net, it can be checked and awarded if the lino was wrong. Means in that instance the attacking team isn't incorrectly penalised.

Did you know? 98.0000001% of people are morons.

A tidier explanation.

Did you know? 98.0000001% of people are morons.

There is a 'School of thought' that players are no more likely to get injured in these instances than any other times. This does not logically refute the need for a late flag, as injury could take place at any time. This does not seem to outweigh the potential of deserved goals being overruled.

You tell me. If it was it was extremely drossy

Did you know? 98.0000001% of people are morons.

VAR adds nothing to the game, it usually actually takes away from the enjoyment of the game. Scrap it and move on.
It hasn't worked and won't work. Despite high profile errors it still basically repeats the big club/ political favourite narrative that existed already. Argentina kicking everyone around just because a sheikh wanted to meet Messi should have thrown up far greater debate than it did. VAR is simply reinforcing the bias that already exists.
I believe Liverpool have benefitted most from VAR in England which, again, is just more of the same we already had.

Red and Blue Army!