Football should copy rugby #9599

Gloucester’s record 71-10 thrashing of Bath tonight was also the first time the ref’s conversations with the TMO were fully broadcast to those in the ground.

Football needs to do this with VAR. It makes such a difference. I don’t understand why football is so reticent to do this sort of thing.

“ The game saw referees' conversations with Television Match Officials broadcast over the public address system for the first time, allowing spectators in the ground to hear what was being discussed.

The first conversation between referee Anthony Woodthorpe and TMO Rowan Kitt to be heard was over Clarke's yellow card, for taking out Nahum Merigan as he went for a high ball.

Fans - who previously could only hear refereeing discussions with a specialist earpiece - were also able to hear discussions over whether there were knock-ons for Gloucester's third and fifth tries.

"We are constantly looking at innovations and ways to grow the game," Premiership Rugby's rugby director Phil Winstanley said.

"Currently, the fan watching the game at home can hear the match official discussions with the television match official but those inside the stadium without one of our fan radios cannot.

"We hope that this will improve the match day experience in the stadium and allow those at the ground to understand the discussion and rationale for decisions made."”

(Yes, any excuse to laugh at Bath. 71-10. LOL.)

Posted By: CWC, Nov 12, 22:51:12