Russell Jones
RefChat Addict
There's often, with good reason, nervousness and distrust as to whether high profile PGMO led initiatives will in fact 'stick' or whether they will be briefly implemented and then quietly forgotten about.
As such, the now two season long clampdown on Obvious Dissent and Delaying the Restart is an interesting one. When launched, it was not just "referee led" but done so with the backing of all other interested parties. It's also been reinforced to officials on an ongoing basis and credit / debit have been given when the measures have been implemented / ignored. In that context, I was an interested observer of the recent high profile game between Villa and Tottenham. The results were heartening
.
27th minute - With Spurs two up, Kolo Muani throws a ball onto the pitch in an attempt to delay the taking of a Villa GK .. first YC of the game
73rd minute - Mathys Tel kicks the ball away on halfway, preventing the opportunity for a quick Villa FK. Loud appeals from Villa ... fourth YC of the game
77th minute - On the back of a disputed GK / CK, Morgan Rogers runs toward the referee, arms outstretched, complaining at the outcome ... fifth YC of the game
95th minute - Conor Gallagher makes no effort to retreat from the spot of a Villa FK, delaying it's taking ... seventh YC of the game
Whilst I'm sure that (across the hundred plus pro games played in England each week) there are still many examples of poor behaviour going unpunished, it's clear that, overall, this is an initiative that has made a material difference.
In the interests of balance, I'm concerned and disappointed at the relative lack of implementation of the "Captain's Only" protocol. There's still way too much crowding of referees and I fear this one will fall by the wayside unless given a serious shot in the arm!!
As such, the now two season long clampdown on Obvious Dissent and Delaying the Restart is an interesting one. When launched, it was not just "referee led" but done so with the backing of all other interested parties. It's also been reinforced to officials on an ongoing basis and credit / debit have been given when the measures have been implemented / ignored. In that context, I was an interested observer of the recent high profile game between Villa and Tottenham. The results were heartening
.27th minute - With Spurs two up, Kolo Muani throws a ball onto the pitch in an attempt to delay the taking of a Villa GK .. first YC of the game
73rd minute - Mathys Tel kicks the ball away on halfway, preventing the opportunity for a quick Villa FK. Loud appeals from Villa ... fourth YC of the game
77th minute - On the back of a disputed GK / CK, Morgan Rogers runs toward the referee, arms outstretched, complaining at the outcome ... fifth YC of the game
95th minute - Conor Gallagher makes no effort to retreat from the spot of a Villa FK, delaying it's taking ... seventh YC of the game
Whilst I'm sure that (across the hundred plus pro games played in England each week) there are still many examples of poor behaviour going unpunished, it's clear that, overall, this is an initiative that has made a material difference.
In the interests of balance, I'm concerned and disappointed at the relative lack of implementation of the "Captain's Only" protocol. There's still way too much crowding of referees and I fear this one will fall by the wayside unless given a serious shot in the arm!!
