Well, I have to be honest. I’m at a loss for words. I was watching the Liverpool v Arsenal match yesterday and couldn’t believe my eyes. Before I even get into the refereeing decision that was beyond puzzling, let me say that refereeing at any level in soccer is very difficult. From U8 to the Premier League. From the parents in the sidelines to the supporters in the stands, all against you because poor little Suzie got bumped off the ball. Or, Alexander Isak CLEARLY HAVING HIS JERSEY PULLED WHICH PREVENTED A CLEAR GOAL SCORING OPPORTUNITY!
In real time, as a referee, sometimes you will miss things. And in the moment you may acknowledge, “well, damn, I think I missed it.” Or after the match when you see a replay and confirm whether or not you blew a call. You can always ask your Assistant Referee for their opinion and they will provide a recommendation or they will advise other you in some capacity. Because refereeing is difficult.
Then there is Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The term that has divided the soccer world. VAR was introduced to avoid obvious mistakes from being made by a referee. Instead what it has done is changed how matches are refereed. Referees may hesitate to make a call and rely on VAR instead to make up the difference. It’s not what the intention of VAR is. The fact that VAR did not ask the referee in the Liverpool match to take a look at the VAR monitor is beyond comprehension. Like, there is comprehension and then eons after comprehension is this situation. It’s literarily inconceivable. Maybe it’s because I’m a Liverpool supporter. I don’t know, but I that isn’t the reason, even though I’m emotionally invested. But when the entire commentary team and studio hosts all said it should have been a penalty, I don’t think I’m being dramatic.
It seems as though Liverpool are always most hard done by VAR decisions. There are so many to choose from but there are three that stand out for me. The first was Liverpool v Man City (aka CHEATERS), back in the 2014 season when Raheem Sterling was clear on goal beyond the City back line and scored, but was ruled offside. Replay’s were clear that Sterling was onside and the goal should have stood. A few years back, the was the debacle away to Tottenham when Liverpool scored a goal through Luis Diaz but was ruled offside. Replays showed that Diaz was indeed offside the goal should have counted. This was the famous incident that lead to a change in the way VAR communicates to the on field referees. And finally, the Jeremy Doku karate kick that almost decapitated Alexis Mac Allister in the penalty area in 2024 that was not called. It should have led to a penalty in the 98th minute for Liverpool that would won them that match. The referee that day was Michael Oliver. Enough said there. The Cheaters when on to win the league that season. Also, guess what didn’t happen. VAR didn’t intervene. They said it was just a coming together, which is INSANE!
Again, yea, maybe it’s because I’m emotionally invested. But I also understand that refereeing is very difficult as I mentioned above. But the obvious ones for VAR, like the match yesterday or the match vs City in 2024? No, you can’t miss those.
Liverpool are again gonna miss out because of poor VAR decisions, or in this case, non-decisions.
Also, and finally, Arsenal are a bunch of no good, whinny bitches, manager included.
That is all.
OH….AND GO VOTE!!