Football's True Essence
After more than 50 years involved in football - as a player, coach, and manager in what I consider to be the greatest team sport in the world - I've witnessed countless changes on and off the field. Legendary former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once proclaimed football was 'the people's game' because it belongs to the fans. Today's supporters dedicate enormous amounts of their hard-earned money purchasing season tickets, team shirts for their kids, and traveling across the nation to support their beloved teams.
When I was asked to share my thoughts on what I would change to improve football today, my focus has been clear: let's prioritize the fans. The game should indeed be about the excitement, emotions, and tactics – not the referees and VAR that increasingly dominate the narrative.
Feeling the Weight of VAR
My primary concern is that referees and VAR are starting to eclipse the sport itself. We must acknowledge that video assistant referees have become a double-edged sword; they're here to stay, but the implementation needs reform. VAR, as it stands, is drawing too much attention away from the players.
Time to Rein it in
Let's face it: VAR has to rein its neck in. When a team scores, supporters should be able to cheer without hesitation, but the suspense of VAR checks turns moments of elation into anxiety. Every goal celebration is now tainted with the lurking possibility of a lengthy check. This incessant need to confirm every minute detail is hampering the flow of the game and ruining the experience for fans.
Making VAR Efficient
“Give VAR two minutes to make a call.”
How often do we see a replay and draw our conclusions almost instantly, only to wait an excessive period while VAR confirms the decision? Hence, I propose a change: any referral to Stockley Park should be capped at two minutes. If a decision cannot be reached in that time, it can't possibly fall under the 'clear and obvious' standard it was designed to uphold.
Also, consider including an ex-professional in the VAR booth. This addition would offer real-time insight into the game's flow and context. Having former managers or players could bridge the tactical gap between officiating and the game's spirit.
The Clock Must Stop
Timekeeping could also stand to be more transparent. I advocate for a stoppable clock that accounts for injuries, VAR delays, and excessive time-wasting, driven by the referee's discretion. This move would eliminate uncertainty, allowing fans to understand exactly how much time remains in each match. No more ambiguous additional minutes that depend on the whims of the referee!
Revisiting the Role of Referees
Make Referees Invisible Again
Let's talk about the role of referees today. They are essential, yet their presence should not overshadow the players. It's become increasingly evident that VAR's introduction has led to referees becoming prominent figures in discussions, often more so than the goals being scored.
Referees should ideally operate in the background, allowing the players and the game itself to take center stage. When was the last time fans celebrated a brilliant goal without worrying if the referee's next decision would wickedly negate it?
Conclusion: Keep the Focus on the Game
Football has been overcomplicated, with countless amendments to laws muddling the essence of the sport. Let's strip back these complexities and be clear: decisions should be straightforward, easier to judge, and reduce the emphasis on subjective whims. Returning the focus to goals scored, rather than endless debates over handballs and offside calls could restore the joy we've lost.
Ultimately, football should be about the fans, the players, and the thrill of competition. Let's take back the game and ensure the spotlight is on the beautiful football we love!
Tony Pulis was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c3ep2eve820o
