Just a few ways by which the beautiful game could be more beautiful

[stockyfox]

Having just watched the Sale v Tigers match, I am reminded of the old saying about the difference between Rugby and Association Football but slightly modified.

Rugby is a hooligans game ruled by gentlemen whereas football is a gentlemen's game ruled by (if not hooigans) then bigots - for want of a better word.

Why, oh why, why, why do these bigots refuse to accept technology as part and parcel of every league game.

In those Sports where technology is now accepted, when an incident occurs, the ref has the option of referring it to the video ref, requesting his comments and even recomendations as to the most appropriate course of action or punishment. The argument that such interruptions would spoil the flow of the game is clutching at straws. It doesn't seem to in other sports like Rugby, Tennis and Cricket for example.

Not only that but (on TV at least), we can hear the whole conversation.

In Rugby, the ref may spot an infringement but allow play to continue. However, if no meaningful advantage is gained, he may take the game back to the original offence. How often do we see that on a football pitch?

Yellow and Red cards feature in both games but to my mind, the policy in Rugby is far more rational than Football. In Rugby, yellow means ten minutes on the sin-bin, Red is issued only when the infringement is serious, dangerous or violent - way out of the spirit of the game.

Yellow in football merits a freekick and is only positively actioned if the player is shown a second yellow and is then sent off. This can be for minor petty offences and the result is that the whole team is punished, the balance of the game is tilted and the game is devalued for the paying spectator.

One rarely hears criticism of a Rugby ref and by and large, they are generally well respected.

One can hardly say the same of football officials who are regularly cursed at and vilified week in, week out

[Guest kristianity77]

Video technology is needed in football for sure. To what extent though i dont know.

Football doesnt help itself though sometimes. Go to a city match and once or twice a game you'll hear thousands slating the ref for a decision or a lino for an offside or something daft. This is the only part I dont join in with and just laugh because when we all get to see stuff back on TV later, way more often than not the ref / assistants are correct but we as fans just THINK they are wrong because thousands at the same time call out for the same thing.

Its all made worse by ignorant managers who get to see fouls etc happen on TV replays after the game then still find something to moan about, or try to defend the indefensible.

So whilst i think that technology is needed, it WOULD bring other problems into play because of a lack of respect from all corners for officials

[MPH]

Let Rugby have their rules and ways of doing things, and let footy have its own too.

[Guest BlueBrett]

Video technology is needed in football for sure. To what extent though i dont know.

A camera on the goal-line and nothing more.

[Haydos]

Let Rugby have their rules and ways of doing things, and let footy have its own too.

Yeah, wouldn't want to try and improve a poor system, that would be stupid.

[Super_horns]

The 10 yard rule must make a difference in rugby it terms of getting respect to the officials but in football when the FA tried that system it didn't work.

Officials can set players off for foul and abvusive comments but never seem to do so the players just carry on as they wish.

[AyewJoking]

only captains should be able to approach the ref. any one else and they should be booked.