So Near Yet So VAR is the new podcast by Bobby Madden. The Scottish former FIFA referee will start on Monday 3rd of August, right after the 1st competition round. “No media agendas, no referee bashing—just the actual laws of the game and my view from being in the middle”, is how he announced it on Instagram. I’ve called with Bobby Madden to hear what we can expect as listeners. He wants to give refs, coaches an informed opinion based on the laws. There’s a need for that, he says. “There was already a massive talking point in a cup game and the season hasn’t even started yet” Listen to the podcast on Spotify Bobby Madden’s experience Bobby Madden officiated 20 years at the top domestic level and more than a decade for UEFA and FIFA. He retired to have more free time with his family, because it’s a very busy life as a pro referee. On Instagram he shared some comments on decisions already and that was well-received. “I’ve debated for 2 years if I should start a podcast”, he says. He made the call last week. “As referees you need to be quick and decisive, so last week I made the decisions to start the podcast.” Getting started is a big job, Madden realises now. Quality of the microphone, editing, distributing the podcast via online channels. Learning a lot of new skills, but all to be ready when the season starts. What listeners can expect from So Near Yet so VAR? The podcast will be an explanation of a situation based on the laws. “There’s enough people criticizing the referees, I want to give a credible opinion about match situations”. Madden got the experience as referee and worked for UEFA with VAR for a couple of years as well. “A lot of pundits are either incorrect in interpretation or in law.” He also it calms the debate down about refereeing. Every team sometimes has a decision in their favour and sometimes it’s against them. “We will never have a 100% correct referee, even with VAR. The idea of the podcast is not to offend the referee, but give my opinion based on experience, knowledge of the actual protocols and the laws.” The podcast will be around 15 minutes. Primarily Scottish games, but also key decisions in the world of football everyone talks about. Curious about the podcast? Follow So Near and Yest So VAR on Spotify or any other podcast channel.
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