Since the introduction of VAR, refereeing standards have got so much worse. I feel like the ‘safety net’ of VAR (regardless of what you think about it) has led to refs taking less ownership and being able to make sensible decisions.
Regardless of your club allegiances, the penalty just awarded against Liverpool is criminal. Trent slid to attempt a block, after which Calvert-Lewin got his shot away, which was saved by Allison, and then Calvert-Lewin tripped over the (still sliding) Trent.
Clearly no intent to foul or impede, or intent to make any physical contact at all. He didn’t initiate any contact whatsoever. An attacker cannot simply run into a defender and be awarded a penalty.
Another absolute joke decision. I’ve lost count of how many there’s been this season.
Refereeing standards
posted on 20/2/21
Tbh I thought Trent kicked out at DCL as he goes by him, and it should have been a red too.
posted on 20/2/21
Oh I totally missed that. I’ll wait to see replays (only saw it on my phone) then I’ll hold my hands up and admit I got it totally wrong.
Point still stands about ref standards lately though.
posted on 20/2/21
He did initiate contact by sliding in front of him. You cannot do that and get in away of a player tapping into a open goal.
posted on 20/2/21
Clearly no intent to foul or impede, or intent to make any physical contact at all. He didn’t initiate any contact whatsoever. An attacker cannot simply run into a defender and be awarded a penalty
---
Clearly u didn't see Luiz red against Wolves which was even more shambolic. TAA lucky he didn't get sent off.
posted on 20/2/21
Pen all day that.
posted on 20/2/21
Right I’m going back into my box, clearly in the minority here!
posted on 20/2/21
One dodgy pen given against Varpool does not even out the plethora of penalties gifted to Salah, Mane, etc for their dives
posted on 20/2/21
I've not seen the incident but it sounds like a pen from the way that you describe it
posted on 21/2/21
I thought it was a pen.
The first trip still ultimately completely missed the ball and wiped out the man. The second petulant kick-out was definitely a foul.