The consistent lack of consistency is the most glaring problem. So many examples across the league where delaying the restart doesn’t seem to be a thing, until it’s arbitrarily chosen to apply. I don’t believe the punishment is commensurate, especially when in recent years the threshold for violent conduct has considerably declined.
I have noticed the discussion of officiating has gone to another level since the Howard Webb tv show stuff. It definitely drives engagement and clicks. Almost every weekend I see across YouTube various official channels mark up a clip with the headline such as “should this have been a penalty?” alongside the thinking emoji and off it goes. The referees give off main character energy at times. I don’t get that sense at all when watching European matches or champions league football. Hardly notice them, VAR checks are so much quicker too. It’s a head scratcher.
I have noticed the discussion of officiating has gone to another level since the Howard Webb tv show stuff. It definitely drives engagement and clicks. Almost every weekend I see across YouTube various official channels mark up a clip with the headline such as “should this have been a penalty?” alongside the thinking emoji and off it goes. The referees give off main character energy at times. I don’t get that sense at all when watching European matches or champions league football. Hardly notice them, VAR checks are so much quicker too. It’s a head scratcher.