This is mostly hyperbole and not to be taken super seriously, nor am I really saying these would/should fix things - but certainly some ideas need implementing. Especially, points 1 and 2, they seem like easy wins.
- Introduce automated offside (3D model graphic, as seen at WC). No more late flagging, no more indecision, no more opinions.
- Automated, out of bounds, ball detection. There’s absolutely technology out there, that could do this. Maybe this is more complicated than I think, love to hear why, if so?
- Remove the on pitch/screen review, give the final decision to VAR officials. They have all the angles and way more time to review, than the on pitch ref. they would most likely make better decisions without the pressure of players or crowds/fans around them.
- VAR replays can only be slowed down for potential handballs. Challenges should only shown in real time, with multi-angles and closeups, which is enough.
- VAR to intervene/review second yellow offenses (if off the ball), as if they were straight red cards. As both result in a sending off and could considerably impact a game.
Honourable mentions:
- Referees to get free monthly eye-tests from Specsavers.
- Remove VAR completely.
- Remove the on-field ref so players can’t argue with any decision. Imagine this, lol!
- Timed VAR decisions, 2 minute cap - if not decided in 2 mins, it’s not a clear and obvious error is it?
- Teams can only call for VAR review’s 3 times per game. Can only be initiated by the on field Captain.
Anyone else got some suggestions? Just a reminder this is just in the context of the PL. Not Europe or international tournaments.
I would love it to be just like in rugby.
Only captains can discuss, anyone else gets some sort of penalty. Good ref-player-fans relationship based on respect and communication.
Mic’ed up refs.
VAR shown in a big screen.
Thats it. That does it for me. The first one protects the referee from pressure. The second one makes them accountable. The 3rd one helps everybody understand. Some minor mistakes cannot be avoided, but nothing scandalous. Nothing else you need imo.
The first one is already a thing in football this season. Hence why we’re seeing more yellows being given for dissent and asking for cards, it’ll take more than 10 games for the message to be drilled into players.
VAR is already shown on the big screen, just after the decision has been made so the crowd doesn’t influence the referees.
Referees should be mic’d up though, or at the very least the broadcast should hear it. The commentary team hears it, why can’t the viewers?
All of the above relies on competent referees however, which sadly we don’t have.