DBasia.news – The referee’s controversial decision continued to occur in the 2020-2021 Premier League, last weekend. The use of VAR is considered to be the main cause of the controversy, even though it initially served to assist the referee’s duties.
One of the polemics that caught the eye was of course the moment that Patrick Bamford experienced when Leeds United lost 1-4 over Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old player was considered offside only because his hand moved forward indicating the direction of the ball to which his partner had to pass.
From VAR impressions, Bamford was still behind Crystal Palace’s defense. So only his hands were in a offside position.
This decision caused controversy as the hand is a part of the body that is considered illegal to score goals. This means that Bamford should not be considered offside.
Former Premier League chief referee, Keith Hackett admits the decision should not have been taken. Therefore, he accused VAR of making enforcement of the rules more complicated for referees to do.
“It’s bad for football because VAR tries to find an excuse for its use. “If you hold your arm forward it’s hard to claim offside unless it hits the ball and deflects it,” Hackett told PA.
“Anyone who plays, watches, owns a club or whatever agrees Bamford’s offside decision is the right decision, they have to leave football.”
Another polemic occurred in the Leicester City vs Wolverhampton and Manchester City vs Liverpool matches. The two visitors suffered from the referee’s decision regarding handball which resulted in a penalty.
Max Kilman (Wolverhampton) and nJoe Gomez (Liverpool) are considered to have done a handball in the forbidden box for cutting the opponent’s pass with his hand. The problem is, it was done without any element of intention.
“What we have here is nonsense to punish accidental handball. “In the case of Liverpool there is a stronger argument to be given, but I am still unhappy that they did not take into account the movements of the hands and arms of the running players.”
“They (the referee) started seeing it on the screen slowly and the incident looked worse, as usual. I think in real time it will show him the speed at which the ball is kicked, the distance covered and the inability to go away. “
Therefore, Hackett requested that the use of VAR to be reviewed again. In addition, he felt the need for a remodel related to offside and handball regulations.