That's already the case, though. Jon Moss is from Sunderland and never reffed their games, for example. Mike Dean didn't do Tranmere games, though he did come out of the stands to replace the 4th official once. Oliver himself doesn't do Newcastle or Sunderland games. There's a list: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-referees-teams-support-32654836 Lots of undeclared Merseysiders, funnily enough...
That’s fair enough they don’t ref their own team or direct rivals. What I don’t agree with is that they’re not allowed to ref games of teams directly above or below their teams they support. That would be chaos and there probably isn’t enough refs around for the PL and FA to be that choosy
It's about avoiding even the appearance of impropriety. That would be normal if they even considered any sort of consequences for their actions. As for them having a limited selection, I don't think that any other PGMOL ref has this issue. Very few of them officially support top-flight clubs and none are from anywhere near London. Simon Hooper is doing Forest v City the same day and he's a Swindon fan, for example.
Yeah I don’t think he will get a chance for the first team yet, but definitely one to keep an eye on and seems the club are aware they’ve got a potential talent there. Would love to see him on the bench though. Exposure to the senior matchday experience even if he doesn’t play can only be good for him
Richarlison has to start imo. Our record with him is significantly better than it is without him. Not because he's a good player. The system needs a focal point. Son isn't it. He is. Simple as that.
I don't think that our system works against a low block without a striker. I assume Arsenal aren't going to play like that, so it'll be less of an issue. They'll mark Son out of the game if he's up front, though.
My main concern is Ben Orange blocking Vicario at set pieces, given he does that a lot anyway but with refs letting people barge Vicario that's an aggravation waiting to happen
Pat Jennings could teach Vic a few things about being fouled at corners. Mick Jones of Leeds tried that back in '71 as I recall, and Pat laid him out. Only got a booking if I remember correctly
Agree with this. If Vicario roughs up anyone trying to block him off then they'll soon think twice about doing it. The club need to do something different with it as it’s become a big issue.
Forcing Werner to stand in front of a loop of Harry Kane goals is an excellent idea. Notably absent from the montage is Kaboul's header and Wenger's bottle toss. Criminal to leave that out.