Soccer (Closing)

Simplify what is a “clear and obvious error” In their list of demands for an overhaul of Var during talks with Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), Premier League managers called for “a review [and simplification] of the interpretation of the term ‘clear and obvious’ in Var decision-making, as this is a cause of much confusion at present”. That followed frustration with what they perceive as an inconsistency in such errors being overturned, with highly-controversial decisions such as the award of Newcastle United’s winner against Arsenal on Saturday being allowed to stand despite a push by Joelinton on Gabriel when Vars have intervened in seemingly less clear-cut incidents. This has been compounded by a different interpretation in Uefa competitions, with Manchester United on the wrong end of questionable penalty and red-card calls on Wednesday and Liverpool denied a last-gasp equaliser on Thursday for a debatable handball.

It's actually incredible that something as basic as this is an issue in a multi-billion pound industry.

I just can't imagine introducing protocols without clearly defining them. And then further exasperated by different competitions interpeting the guidance completely differently. Rules shouldn't change depending on the competition you're playing in.

The system is really run by clowns.