Is VAR Ruining Football?
Chelsea-Manchester United Review
With injuries, a potential send-off and disallowing of two goals, this game was a nightmare for the Blues. This was a tough controversial match called by referee Anthony Taylor, who has had his name mentioned in many controversial calls.
The first decision by VAR came after contact between United center-back Harry Maguire and Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi. As Maguire fell to the ground, his foot made contact with the striker and when looking at more video evidence, it appears that Maguire kicked out, hitting Batshuayi in the groin area. VAR immediately reviewed the play to see if it was violent conduct and if Maguire deserved to be sent off. In the end, it was determined as not-violent and Maguire stayed on, only to score a United goal later on.
This conversation starts as to why Maguire was not sent off? It's obvious that he kicked his foot out but for some reason was not sent off. The argument was also made about Tottenham forward Heung-min Son. Earlier in the season, a similar play happened where Son kicked his foot out at Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. The same referee, Anthony Taylor, showed red and sent off Son. So why wasn't Maguire sent off? I understand it being a subjective judgement call, but it's the same ref. You can make the argument that it was weak and that it wasn't severe enough for a sending off but if that's the case, don't send Son off either. You can't send one off and not send the other off. There needs to be a line of consistency here. You lose credibility as a referee when you are inconsistent with your calls. If it was a different ref, I could understand more, because the call is subjective, but it's the same ref. There should be no excuse.
In my opinion, although it appeared weak, he still kicked out and that is deserving of red. Maguire should have been sent off. I bet Chelsea fans would agree, especially after Maguire pounded in that header to the back of the net.
The second controversial VAR decision came when Chelsea took a corner in the second half of the game. Chelsea back Kurt Zouma was able to pound in a goal from inside the box but it was quickly checked by VAR for a potential foul against Chelsea. And you guessed it, the goal was disallowed.
In real time, it looked as if Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta pushed United player Brandon Williams down. An easy foul. However, when looking more closely, it was obvious that Azpilicueta was pushed first by a United player and thus was forced to push contact into Williams. Yes, Azpilicueta did push out, but United pushed first which should have been a foul call in itself immediately and if not, then it should have been called play on or advantage Chelsea. Either way resulting in a goal by Zouma. However, Chelsea was denied the equalizer.
The last VAR decision came when Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud scored a beautiful goal but was again disallowed because of offsides. Now this one you can't argue. The rules are the rules and Giroud was offsides. But it just makes things more frustrating and lowers your morale tremendously when VAR disallows a second goal. Chelsea was already struggling and getting a second goal disallowed hurts.
In the end, this game gives a lot to think about.
The first thing is, is VAR ruining the game? I know Chelsea had multiple opportunities to equalize, but when you've been scored on and VAR disallows your goals, it changed momentum. It changed your mindset and your style of play and your strategy. The momentum definitely shifted towards United. VAR is supposed to correct the tough decisions that referees cannot see on the pitch, but when VAR is making the wrong decisions, what can teams do? Not only this game, but many others seem to be ruined and decided by VAR.
The second thing is Chelsea. There have been lots of negatives for Chelsea this match, outside of losing. N'Golo Kante walked off the pitch with injury. Willy Caballero currently starts at keeper because Kepa cannot perform. Michy Batshuayi did not perform well. He had multiple opportunities to score and did not capitalize on them, forcing Frank Lampard to sub Olivier Giroud in and he proved to play better than Batshuayi did. There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to this Chelsea team and what they are to do. Especially if they are gonna have to take on powerhouse Bayern Munich in the next stage of the Champions League
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Shandon Pendleton and writers in Cleats and other communities.
Kobe Bryant: Mamba Forever
As we all know, one of the greatest NBA players of all-time met a tragic fate the other day. I am heartbroken by the news as is all around the world who watched his greatness. This article is meant to honor Kobe by going through his legendary basketball career. #MambaForever
By Shandon Pendleton4 years ago in Unbalanced
Mastering the mind games of Mourinho..
In the bustling streets of London, amidst the roar of fans and the clash of football boots, there existed a man whose tactics transcended the pitch. José Mourinho, the mastermind behind many a football triumph, possessed a unique ability to wield not just the tactics board but also the minds of his players.Cesc Fàbregas, a gifted midfielder, found himself under Mourinho's spell during their time together at Chelsea. As he reflected on those days, he revealed the intricate web of influence Mourinho spun around him."I think with Mourinho, he played with my mind in a different way that nobody else played before," Fàbregas recounted, his voice tinged with both admiration and a hint of bewilderment.Their relationship was not merely coach and player; it was a complex dance of manipulation and inspiration. Mourinho, with his charismatic persona and keen understanding of psychology, knew exactly how to push Fàbregas to new heights."He would send me messages, he would speak to me nearly every day," Fàbregas recalled, painting a picture of relentless communication that kept him perpetually engaged, perpetually focused.Mourinho's words were not just casual chatter; they were strategic maneuvers designed to shape Fàbregas's perception of himself and his role within the team. Each conversation, each message, carried with it the weight of affirmation and importance."He would speak to me in a manner where he makes me see that I'm one of the most important players in the squad," Fàbregas revealed, the memory still vivid in his mind. Mourinho's words weren't empty praise; they were calculated strokes that bolstered Faàbregas's confidence and sense of belonging.And it worked. Under Mourinho's guidance, Fàbregas flourished, his performances on the pitch reflecting the belief instilled in him by his coach. He became a linchpin in the team, a maestro orchestrating plays with precision and finesse."That always had a really powerful message in my brain," Fàbregas admitted, acknowledging the lasting impact of Mourinho's manipulation. The coach's words weren't just fleeting encouragements; they were seeds planted in Fàbregas's mind, blossoming into a steadfast belief in his own abilities.As Fàbregas reminisced about those days, it became clear that Mourinho's influence extended far beyond the tactical realm. He wasn't just a coach; he was a mentor, a confidant, a master of the psychological game.Their time together at Chelsea may have come to an end, but the imprint Mourinho left on Fàbregas's psyche remained indelible. Even now, years later, Fàbregas found himself reflecting on those conversations, those messages, and the profound impact they had on his career.In the world of football, where physical prowess and tactical acumen reign supreme, Mourinho stood out as a master manipulator of the mind. His ability to understand his players on a deeper level, to tap into their emotions and motivations, set him apart as a coach of unparalleled skill.For Fàbregas, Mourinho's influence was a double-edged sword, simultaneously empowering and enigmatic. He had been both puppet and prodigy, a willing participant in Mourinho's intricate game of psychological chess.And yet, despite the complexities of their relationship, Fàbregas couldn't deny the role Mourinho played in shaping him as a player and as a person. The lessons learned, the confidence gained, were invaluable gifts that would stay with him long after the final whistle had blown.As Fàbregas gazed out onto the pitch, the memories of his time under Mourinho flooded back, a testament to the enduring power of the coach's voice. In the world of football, where triumph and defeat hung in the balance, Mourinho's words had been a constant, guiding Fàbregas through the highs and lows of the beautiful game.
By Eric anexis 5 days ago in Cleats
Political privatization product- "Economist"
Like other magazines, the West will also publicize privatization, and the well -known journal "Economist" is one of them. To some extent, "Economist "'s own social position simply reflects the attitude of two major political parties (Conservative Party and Labor) in the United Kingdom and the middle and late 20th century, and tries to maintain the British self -image as the world's strong country. "Economist" will use its layouts to endorse candidates and political parties before major elections, and an out -of -the -box Western foreign publicity.
By Tatiana Vanderheiden7 days ago in Cleats
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.