Page 8 - The Deal Round Up - April 2019

In cricket and rugby, we at least hear the conversation between the officials. In American
Football, decisions are literally announced to the crowd.
But football too often treats its fans - customers - like a school child with a box of matches.
The lack of transparency that masks many areas of the game is the same here. Eventually
showing a replay doesn’t really cut it.
Clips should be shown inside stadiums and we should hear the officials arrive at their verdict.
Instead fans in the ground wait for a man with his finger in his ear to make an arm signal.
VAR is not something Non-League clubs are going to be worrying about any time soon, if
ever. Apart from when it comes to the FA Cup. The system was introduced during last year’s
competition. Let’s be clear. If correct decisions are being reached because of it, then all well
and good. But surely there has to be a level playing field. The fact is, not all grounds have it.
For example, Championship side Sheffield Wednesday were awarded a penalty at Chelsea in
a recent cup tie. VAR was in operation, the decision was looked at and the Chelsea defender
clearly won the ball. Penalty overturned and on we go – although Wednesday would have felt
they should instead have been awarded a corner rather than the drop ball that restarted the
game.
In another recent tie Barnet had Brentford on the ropes. Having fallen behind, Darren Currie’s
side swung the tie back their way with two quick goals from Shaq Coulthirst. But just seven
minutes later, Brentford were thrown a lifeline. Referee Andy Madley adjudged David Tutonda
to have fouled Ollie Watkins in the box. Replays clearly show there was no contact. It’s
not even up for debate. Watkins, probably expecting contact, went down untouched. He’s
since apologised. Despite the game being shown live on BT Sport and replays within seconds
showing a clear angle, there was nothing that could be done because VAR was having the
night off. Brentford scored, went on to take the lead before Dan Sparkes’ wonderful free-kick
made it 3-3 and booked a replay.
It’s all Sliding Doors, but who’s to say if VAR had been deployed that Barnet wouldn’t have
gone on to win the game 2-1 and proceed to the fifth round, banking £180,000 while they’re
at it? There has to be parity across the competition to keeps its integrity. VAR should only
come into operation from a certain stage, say, the quarter-finals. Where it is likely most clubs
will be in the Premier League and able to cope with what is needed or arrangements can be
made. It can’t be one set of rules for the fortunate big boys and another for the so-called
minnows.
Can Canterbury City Reach Wembley And Survive By Hugo Varley
Canterbury City have certainly had a topsy-turvy few weeks. Just moments after reaching
their first ever FA Vase Quarter Final, the club were rocked by the
news that the local council had rejected their proposals for a new
stadium, which would have ended 12 long years of nomadic life.
They then beat Biggleswade Town to reach the semi-final.
“One of the papers hit the nail on the head with the headline, joy to
despair in the space of just 4 days” said City Chairman Tim Clark.
“We are ground sharing at the moment and I think everyone knows
that without a new stadium our future will be in jeopardy”. Canterbury City
With relations between the club and the city council at breaking point, Chairman Tim Clark
innovative direct action is now being planned.
Taking inspiration from the Valley Party, which was formed by Charlton Athletic fans in 1990
in an attempt to pressure Greenwich Borough Council into allowing the Addicks to return to
their home ground, Clark has revealed that several campaigners are preparing to run in May’s
local elections.
He added, “We have been continually let down by the council and we are acting to save the
club”.

8