Summary
Overview
Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman discuss listener suggestions for improving football by borrowing rules from other sports. The conversation focuses on two main themes: speeding up the game and improving player behavior toward referees. Topics include VAR time limits, goalkeeper injury protocols, referee communication, clock management, and the number of substitutions allowed.
VAR Time Limits and Decision Making
The hosts discuss implementing time limits on VAR decisions, arguing that if a decision takes several minutes to make, it cannot be considered clear and obvious. They reference a recent Newcastle vs Manchester City match where the semi-automated offside system took an excessive amount of time. The suggestion mirrors cricket's 'umpire's call' principle for marginal decisions.
- VAR decisions should have a time limit - if it takes four minutes to examine, it's not clear and obvious
- After a couple of looks, if no ruling can be made, stay with the referee's original decision
- Newcastle vs Manchester City second goal took excessive time despite semi-automated offside technology
- Cricket's 'umpire's call' system provides a model for handling marginal decisions
" If VAR can't make a ruling after a couple of looks, stay with the decision "
Goalkeeper Injury Time Wasting Tactics
Discussion centers on tactical goalkeeper injuries used by coaches to pause play and communicate tactics. Suggestions include forcing injured goalkeepers off for 30 seconds and borrowing from hockey where teams can substitute a goalkeeper for an extra outfield player. The hosts debate whether modern goalkeepers' improved footwork skills would make this practical.
- Coaches tactically use goalkeeper injuries to pause the game and communicate tactics
- Suggestion: injured goalkeepers must leave the pitch for 30 seconds
- Hockey allows substituting goalkeeper for extra outfield player at end of games
- Most modern goalkeepers can play outfield positions due to improved footwork
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