03 Nov 2019 20:55:13
VAR is fast becoming a hinderance than a help. It was a farce during the Villa game and it’s continued into the Everton game.

Son’s challenge was never a red and the leg break was completely accidental and a result of Gomez foot getting stuck in the ground. It was an awful injury and has completely influenced the refs decision. VAR should have stepped in and advised the ref that it was accidental and not a red card challenge. Don’t think Son would have continued after that mind. He was devastated.

Hoping that Gomez has a speedy recovery and is able to play again soon. The same happened to me in almost identical circumstances so know he’s got a long rehab but hopefully a fully successful one.


1.) 03 Nov 2019
03 Nov 2019 21:29:52
Couldn't agree more QSS. Everton can't afford to lose a good player also, terrible all around.


2.) 03 Nov 2019
03 Nov 2019 23:07:22
It was another one of those challenges where the player can't possibly get to the ball and so plays the man to prevent a break. It was really unfortunate that it ended with such a horrendous injury and son is by no means a dirty player but tackles where there is no attempt to get to the ball will always carry a risk.


3.) 03 Nov 2019
03 Nov 2019 23:58:04
Martin Atkinson involved yet again he is fast becoming a joke still no use of the pitch side monitor why?


4.) 04 Nov 2019
04 Nov 2019 00:03:42
Just heard Gomes has a fractured and dislocated ankle. That’ll take some coming back from but I wish him a full and speedy recovery. He will be going through a lot over the coming months so hopefully his friends, family and all at the club can pull him through so he can continue with his career. Sad to see.

As for VAR it’s an absolute disgrace QSS. I never wanted it but I really didn’t think it was possible to cock it up as much as our officials have. They seem to have seen it as an opportunity to show that they don’t make mistakes so will try every which way they can to justify the on field decision. Now they’re even drawing angled lines from Bobby’s armpit to make him look offside when even Jeff Stelling can see he isn’t.

As for the Everton game today it was like they were trying to get every decision wrong. Then we have to accept these ridiculous statements they put out afterwards.
Tell me this. How is it that Man City got a winner against spurs ruled out for handball when Laporte was challenging for a header with his arm by his waste and the ball hit his arm and today Alli is challenging for a ball with his arm over his head and stops the ball getting to Richarlison with his hand yet because he’s in a challenge gets away with it? It defies logical reason!

Son shouldn’t have been sent off but Sanchez should. I found myself screaming ‘WHAT?! ’ at the TV I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Incompetence of the highest order.
At least I hope it’s just incompetence because after this weekend I’m starting to believe we have corrupt officials. Surely no one is as stupid as this?


5.) 04 Nov 2019
04 Nov 2019 00:14:10
There was a challenge that Walcott did earlier in the game though Den when his foot rolled over the ball that was way more dangerous than Son’s. Not a red or intentional but could’ve been a leg breaker. If Son goes for an off the ball trip then Walcott has to go for his. We’ll end up with 5 a side if simply tripping someone is a red card.
The ref has made a decision on the outcome rather than the offence.
It just shows that we have a bunch of referees that just don’t understand the game.


6.) 04 Nov 2019
04 Nov 2019 05:17:01
Yep Beckers, by that logic, if you take a swing at someone but miss, no problem as the outcome didn't exist. But if you make contact, you're gone.


7.) 04 Nov 2019
04 Nov 2019 08:27:31
Must feel for both players. Sad scene indeed .


8.) 04 Nov 2019
04 Nov 2019 13:37:58
Should be the act and not the outcome as far as I’m concerned. Both of kompany’s challenge and Choudhury’s challenges on Salah were more dangerous than Son’s, but due to good fortune he didn’t break anything. I’ve seen loads of high boots that haven’t resulted in a serious injury but online by luck.
That said, I do not like the deliberate fouls where the player is making absolutely no attempt to play the ball. When you think about it, why should allowed to deliberately trip someone running at full speed- it’s not part of the game it’s frankly an assault.


9.) 04 Nov 2019
04 Nov 2019 14:41:27
I get that hopeful but who’s to say whether a player is going for the ball but mistimes it or is actually going for the man?
Are you suggesting we let the refs and VAR make that subjective call? I’m surprised most of them can get dressed in the morning without getting it wrong so asking them to actually get a judgment call correct is like asking Pogba to sprint. It simply can’t be done.


10.) 04 Nov 2019
04 Nov 2019 16:39:02
Just watched the highlights from the Everton game and the ref initially runs over to Son with a yellow card in his hand. His decision therefore is clearly influenced by the extent of Gomes injury. Wish Gomes a speedy recovery and also feel for Son as well. Nice to see a player show genuine remorse for injuring a fellow professional.


11.) 04 Nov 2019
04 Nov 2019 17:00:56
I've been having this argument with people - hasn't the outcome of the challenge always been part of a factor as long as with the tackle itself?

Personally, I think the ref is well within the rights to send Son off. As much as he may not have intended damage and was a freak injury, it was a cynical unnecessary challenge where he was never close to the ball and always just taking out the player.

Yeah, that might be a yellow normally but I see nothing wrong with taking the injury into account. Maybe it'll make the odd player think about putting in a dangerous cynical tackle in the future (although I doubt it) .

On the VAR point - if there was a table for handballs not called by VAR, Dele Alli would be topping that table. SMH.


12.) 04 Nov 2019
04 Nov 2019 17:47:52
I think there’s a specific type of challenge when it’s really obvious that someone is just hacking someone down/ tripping them up. The old taking one for the team type of foul.
You’re absolutely right about the refs though.