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Remind me next time

Come on guys, sort it out. You’ve had time to get things right - but still we’re all arguing about VAR.

Get it right or Vinnie will be on the case and, if not, I’ll send Big Chris down to bang some heads together at Stockley Park. He doesn’t care whether you’re in an office or on a sunbed - and that is a lovely tan by the way - just get it right.

What exactly is the problem? It’s f***ing simple from where I’m sitting. If you can’t decide in 30 seconds then you’re talking about a 50/50 decision and surely then the referee himself on the pitch makes the decision - or his decision stands.

I know Stockley Park have the advantage of cameras everywhere so, yes, for those offsides and when the ball crosses the line or there’s a deliberate handball when the ref’s vision is obscured - like Fernandinho for City against Chelsea - that’s all fine.

But when refs sitting hundreds of miles away for some games are making a guess-up and using their own interpretation, then surely, it’s time for the man in the middle to make the decision. Give him all the info, let him see a monitor - but let him deal with it.

Look at last week’s games. I’ve mentioned the Chelsea game and the penalty. That was right, but the Spurs game against Sheffield United was so, so wrong.

How can Lucas Moura be guilty of handball when he's been fouled? Everyone could see it, the advantage is played and Kane tucks it away. Job done, Jose’s happy and Spurs are on their way to victory. Well, not quite.

The goal’s ruled out because the handball gave Spurs an advantage. But Moura knew nothing about - at worst, the very worst, Spurs should have got a free kick. But nothing - Jose’s face said it all. He’s entertaining when he loses it, but this time I had sympathy!

Surely common sense must prevail.

We know not every handball is a foul. Defenders get hit all the time and, providing their arms aren't in an unnatural position, they get away with it - rightly so. And there’s still an advantage in defending the ball.

So shouldn't it be the same for attackers?

Change the rules and apply common sense. Jamie Redknapp on Sky was right - it really was one of the worst decisions ever seen on a football pitch given all the evidence in front of us - and anyone who plays or watches football could see that.

That Spurs one sums up what’s wrong. I’d say Michael Oliver is the best referee in the Premier League - and he was the one at Stockley Park. He was just following rules, but those rules are b***cks if Kane’s goal can be ruled out.

Spurs aren’t in great form, so points might not be an issue - they're not going for a top four spot or, thankfully for them, they’re not worried about the drop. Could you imagine if something like this happened to a Villa or Watford at the bottom, or Man U up top?

We need to make sure things are right. Give the referees on the pitch more responsibility and give them the final decision - and don't leave games in limbo for too long. If it’s too close to call, the ref’s decision is final. Don’t let us be talking about VAR all the time.

That Spurs game did my head in. It’s funny, I got the West Ham one against Chelsea. Antonio was down in the area and, when the ball hit his arm - first time - he was in an offside position. It gave the Hammers the advantage and they scored, but it was ruled out.

The Hammers ended up winning, so no harm done I suppose. Fair play, they deserved it and are exactly the team you’d say are too good to go down. A draw against Newcastle proved that on Sunday - and they’ll be fine.

Davey Moyes is a good organiser and that team is too good. Fabianski in goal, Antonio, Rice, Noble, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Anderson - I like Soucek too. He’s a right unit, good defensively but also has a goal threat. 

The odds speak for themselves - the Hammers are now 10/1 to be relegated after some solid results since the restart. Congratulation to David Moyes on that one considering the stick he's recieved since he return to the London Stadium.

There’s another round of Premier League matches this week and at the weekend - and so far, so good I say. The game’s are coming thick and fast, the schedules are being met, and we’ll all be talking FA Cup semi-finals next week.

I’m not sure about the Champions’ League in August, but if the Premier League example is followed anything is possible. I don't see the next season starting until mid-September at least, but football - certainly at the top end - is doing alright.

So, let’s try and get some winners. See my predictions and have a great week.

Keep safe, Vinnie.

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