11 Dec 2017 03:49:55
To the Ed's, or anyone else really, my issue with the pen wasn't that it was given (thought it was soft but I don't know enough about the sport to say it was/ wasn't there) but with the positioning of the ref.

I used to umpire Aussie rules football, and the benefit of having two or more central decisions makers means that it's easier to get into a side-on position to be better able to make that decision. To me the ref was largely guessing as to how much force Lovren used because he was behind play.

My question is has there ever been discussion about adding an extra ref (I think another 2 linesman would be great as well)? It seems to be something that would be easy to implement and I don't see it having a detrimental effect on the game, but see a lot of upsides. How feasible do you think this would be?

And thanks for all the hard work you all do. It helps an uneducated Australian understand the game a little better, have a merry Christmas too.

{Ed001's Note - not that I am aware of, though I have always said that extra linesmen would be a big help myself. The extra ref would probably help as well. Anything to make decision making instantaneous rather than having to refer it to videos, imo.

There will always be grey areas to argue over and they should not be removed from the game. But we should make it as easy as possible for the referee.}

1.) 11 Dec 2017
11 Dec 2017 07:43:40
I believe what you are saying, Ed. However, there are extra refs on the goal line in the CL and the Serie A BUT thy seem to either have no input, get overruled by the center ref or are just there to see if the ball crossed the line and have no broader powers. Which is it, in your opinion?

{Ed001's Note - they are pointless because they are not in a position to see anything of any importance. If they are side on they have a much better view and can have more input.}

2.) 11 Dec 2017
11 Dec 2017 08:05:29
I play hockey and they have two refs communicating by headset, one in each half. Whoevers half it is in is responsible for the call, but can take guidance from the other of they are not sure. Seems to work well if the refs are open to take advice and give it.

3.) 11 Dec 2017
11 Dec 2017 09:33:34
Firmane we had the same! It means that the refs are in a better position to make a judgment if it’s a quick counter.


Would that be something that could work Ja the future?

4.) 11 Dec 2017
11 Dec 2017 12:09:34
Why not an extra field ref? Other sports make use of it quite well. These are older guys expected to keep up with prime athletes on a full pitch.