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Inconsistent Referees Would Benefit From Instant Replay

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By @adamdclifton

Getty Images

Getty Images

It is easy to criticize referees. The old saying goes, “Players win games, coaches lose games and referees ruin games.” This situation is becoming increasingly true. In some of the biggest tournaments in the sport, one decision can change the outcome of an entire competition. The recent problem with officiating is not the calls that are being made — it is the decisions that are often ignored.

Two recent contests have become the center of the officiating controversy. Manchester City faced FC Barcelona in a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matchup, and the referee was the center of controversy for several moments of contention. Early fouls were often punished with free kicks. However, as the game progressed, lesser fouls received yellow cards. This changed the game when Gael Clichy received his second yellow card for an innocuous challenge and was sent-off in the 74th minute. Clichy became the third player to receive a red card in the last three Champions League games against Barcelona, joining Pablo Zabaleta and Martin Demichelis.

In another major controversy from one of Europe’s biggest league, Chelsea faced relegation threatened Burnley in a highly controversial contest in the Barclays Premier League. The game was going according to plan for Jose Mourinho, as the Blues took a 1-0 lead early in the first half. However, Chelsea failed to add to their lead. In the second half, midfielder Nemanja Matic felt the sting of a terrible tackle courtesy of Ashley Barnes. Matic responded by sprinting toward Barnes and tackling the player. Barnes was not punished for terrible challenge, and Matic received a straight red card for his retaliation. The response of Matic should have been punished, but the challenge of Barnes could have broken bones and altered careers. This action cannot be ignored. For major decisions like this, instant replay could play a major role in confirming these decisions and possibly changing them if necessary.

Soccer games can change on a dime courtesy of one decision from a referee. In order to get these decisions correct, certain points in the contest should be subjected to instant replay review. Red cards, penalty kicks and moments of fighting should be subject to instant replay in order to ensure that the proper punishments are received. Instant replay should not be used for every decision and the judgment of referees should be trusted. However, game-changing moments must receive the scrutiny they deserve in order to ensure the proper parties are punished.

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