There have been a few controversial decisions in recent games that have again led to more calls for the increased use of technology in football. I’m still not convinced; for me it’s about getting the balance right.
The beauty of football for fans is in discussing and debating the game. It’s one of the things we all enjoy, be it down the pub or elsewhere.
There have always been imperfection in sport; it’s played by humans, not by robots, so there will be mistakes. In football it’s the imperfections that make it great. They must remain in the game for it to stay special. If everything is forensically analysed and you eliminate opinion and controversy then you take away one of the key qualities of the sport.
I’m a supporter of goal-line technology because it is clear cut, and perhaps that can be extended to include penalty decisions. But when it’s about decisions on yellow or red cards then that must be left to the discretion of the referee.
If we don’t then we might as well take them off the pitch, sit them in a box in the stands and let them make decisions from there.
Discipline
Look at the wide cross section of views on the Jamie Vardy sending off in the match against West Ham. Was it a dive or was it a penalty? Should it have been a second yellow card? If you take away those discussion points then what do we talk about?
For the record, I agree with the Vardy dismissal. I think it was a dive and his conduct afterwards towards the referee was disgraceful. At this stage of the season his discipline has let him down and if his absence costs Leicester points and the title then he has only himself to blame.
Having said that, I still think the title is Leicester’s to lose. If they blow it from here — and I don’t think they will — it will be a catastrophe. The destination of the title really depends on Leicester holding their nerve.
Relegation dogfight intensifies
Norwich look like they could be in big trouble with Sunderland seemingly better set for the relegation battle.
The Black Cats have the best striker of the teams involved in Jermaine Defoe, the most experienced manager for this situation in Sam Allardyce and probably the most resilient defence. Newcastle have left themselves too much to do and I think they will join Norwich in dropping down to the Championship.