Top VAR drama!

[ARF]

 

[GraemeS]

Depends on your definition of "very close" really...

 

[Paul_10]

Depends on your definition of "very close" really...

Yeah would definately understand the refs decision more if it was about 5 yards closer but the gap is surely too big here to use protecting your head with your hands and not be penalised for it.

 

[Kref]

Yeah would definately understand the refs decision more if it was about 5 yards closer but the gap is surely too big here to use protecting your head with your hands and not be penalised for it.

I think they were just trying to use this as an example of what a player might do.

 

[socal lurker]

For me, if that was a youth game, I would consider that reflexive protection and not call it, and I'm guessing that is what the ref was doing. From that distance, at that level, however, I would expect it to be called.

More complicated VAR question, though: is it a clear and obvious error for the R to have considered it instinctive protection?

 

[santa sangria]

View attachment 6099

Crickey! Where is that in the laws or in FIFA/UEFA guidance?

 

[bester]

If you're only 5 yards from a powerful shot you're very unlikely to have time to put your hands up to protect your face.