Futbol Talk

[JWags85]

I was thinking about this too. On the other hand, I do think it's infinitely better in it's current state than it was a few years ago. In a few years I'm hopeful we'll get to the point where it's pretty seamless and useful like it is in tennis.

I think its gotten better due to technology being more precise, but the issue that makes it unwatchable, and I don't think can be fixed without specific rule changes around it, is the "judgement call" aspect.  Offsides reviews could be seamless and useful quickly.  But when they allow either the ref or the video assistant to track back as far as they deem relevant, it gets cumbersome and stupid.

I watched a random match on Peacock in December, can't recall which.  Counter attack, really nice passing, great goal.  VAR pops up.  Commentators couldn't figure out why, all attackers were aside by a mile, acres of space on the attack with no challenges.  Turns out there was a "foul" on the change of possession, but not just on the change...the LB tackled an attacker, ball went to another attacking midfielder, who moved to the center for a dribble or two and then got stripped, which ignited the counter attack.  But that LB tackle, that the ref didn't even look twice at, was suddenly deemed beyond the pale in super slow-mo ruling out a goal almost a minute later. 

[Pakuni]

I think its gotten better due to technology being more precise, but the issue that makes it unwatchable, and I don't think can be fixed without specific rule changes around it, is the "judgement call" aspect.  Offsides reviews could be seamless and useful quickly.  But when they allow either the ref or the video assistant to track back as far as they deem relevant, it gets cumbersome and stupid.

I watched a random match on Peacock in December, can't recall which.  Counter attack, really nice passing, great goal.  VAR pops up.  Commentators couldn't figure out why, all attackers were aside by a mile, acres of space on the attack with no challenges.  Turns out there was a "foul" on the change of possession, but not just on the change...the LB tackled an attacker, ball went to another attacking midfielder, who moved to the center for a dribble or two and then got stripped, which ignited the counter attack.  But that LB tackle, that the ref didn't even look twice at, was suddenly deemed beyond the pale in super slow-mo ruling out a goal almost a minute later. 

Yep.
It's akin to overturning a touchdown because an offensive tackle got away with holding five players earlier on the drive.