If there's one thing bound to get my blood boiling it's VAR and goal line tech in football.
Or should I say the application of it.
Most people are actually missing the point that the tech is there to help the officials but it's long been their implementation that has been the problem, not the tech itself.
Previously, I've worked closely with Keith Hackett, a former FIFA ref and head of PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), who oversee the referees in the Premier League.
I've also done a lot of work with Mark Halsey, a hugely well respected Premier League referee and authoritative voice since leaving the whistle behind.
Both are often incandescent with rage over VAR, though it's never about the tech! Though you would think that the 'referees club' would all stick together, they're all ready to throw each other under the bus at a moments notice.
Let's remember that VAR was specifically introduced - and to be invoked - for when there was a clear and obvious error.
That's the phrase to focus on; 'clear and obvious.'
Ask yourself this. In the few seasons since VAR became a part of the game-watching experience, how many 'clear and obvious' errors have you noticed?
The drawing of lines for offside decisions that come down to cm differences is a total waste of time for everyone and not using the tech correctly.
If the offside was obvious, however, and the on pitch official didn't notice it, THAT'S when VAR comes in.
I dare say had the refs got this right at the beginning and not resorted to using it in the way that they have, supporters would have no issue with it.
Think of the TMO in rugby or Hawk-Eye in cricket and tennis - that's the way to make it work, but football, despite being one of the most popular and lucrative sports in the world, just can't get it right can they.
How many more times do football supporters - that pay their hard-earned each and every week - have to put up with sub-par decision making because the protagonists in most games now - the officials - can't get their act together?
On the subject of tech, what on earth happened at the Santiago Bernabéu last weekend.
Anyone could see that Lamine Yamal scored a perfectly legitimate goal for Barcelona in El Clásico, but the lack of goal line tech in Spain meant that the referee simply played on.
He couldn't tell from his position if the ball had gone in, his linesman either wasn't looking or couldn't have a clear enough view from his standpoint and cameras in the ground 'weren't at the right angle.' How convenient.
With so much money around in the game now, there is simply no excuse for not having the technology in place. Unlike VAR, it isn't subjective but definitive, and Barça will rightly feel aggrieved because it isn't the first time it's happened.
Or should I say the application of it.
Most people are actually missing the point that the tech is there to help the officials but it's long been their implementation that has been the problem, not the tech itself.
Previously, I've worked closely with Keith Hackett, a former FIFA ref and head of PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), who oversee the referees in the Premier League.
I've also done a lot of work with Mark Halsey, a hugely well respected Premier League referee and authoritative voice since leaving the whistle behind.
Both are often incandescent with rage over VAR, though it's never about the tech! Though you would think that the 'referees club' would all stick together, they're all ready to throw each other under the bus at a moments notice.
Let's remember that VAR was specifically introduced - and to be invoked - for when there was a clear and obvious error.
That's the phrase to focus on; 'clear and obvious.'
Ask yourself this. In the few seasons since VAR became a part of the game-watching experience, how many 'clear and obvious' errors have you noticed?
The drawing of lines for offside decisions that come down to cm differences is a total waste of time for everyone and not using the tech correctly.
If the offside was obvious, however, and the on pitch official didn't notice it, THAT'S when VAR comes in.
I dare say had the refs got this right at the beginning and not resorted to using it in the way that they have, supporters would have no issue with it.
Think of the TMO in rugby or Hawk-Eye in cricket and tennis - that's the way to make it work, but football, despite being one of the most popular and lucrative sports in the world, just can't get it right can they.
How many more times do football supporters - that pay their hard-earned each and every week - have to put up with sub-par decision making because the protagonists in most games now - the officials - can't get their act together?
On the subject of tech, what on earth happened at the Santiago Bernabéu last weekend.
Anyone could see that Lamine Yamal scored a perfectly legitimate goal for Barcelona in El Clásico, but the lack of goal line tech in Spain meant that the referee simply played on.
He couldn't tell from his position if the ball had gone in, his linesman either wasn't looking or couldn't have a clear enough view from his standpoint and cameras in the ground 'weren't at the right angle.' How convenient.
With so much money around in the game now, there is simply no excuse for not having the technology in place. Unlike VAR, it isn't subjective but definitive, and Barça will rightly feel aggrieved because it isn't the first time it's happened.
Jason Pettigrove
Journalist | Editor | Author
Journalist | Editor | Author