The Kraken

Today I completely agree. If we’re going to have VAR then it should be to outline clear and obvious errors. I think today was a success for that. But we’ve seen many times before where VAR also goes and looks at offsides and other misdemeanours in the lead up to the goal. Often leading to many minutes of evaluation before a decision is made. That’s where I think VAR veers well off course; but once you invite video evidence into the equation it will begin looking at everything. For enjoyment terms the championship has been wonderful for not having to put up with the video replay shit.

I was in the car after the game (I watched it on the telly) and there was a (rare) interesting conversation about the disallowed goal. It’s was pretty unequivocal that it was a foul on the keeper. But it also raised the issue that there were various other misdemeanours going on too. Most notably Declan Rice basically rugby tackling a West Ham player who had got the wrong side of him. The question was, if VAR is going to interfere, does it look at all of these fouls? And if so, how does it make the decision on what to do. Surely, once the ball is in play, it’s the first foul that should get given. But I don’t think the VAR even looked at it.

The lone wolf theory doesn’t hold much water if the guy is a staff member. We’re to believe that he’s had a day off from work on a weekday, travelled hundreds of miles to the site of our next game on his own, and decided to do some impromptu scouting without telling any of his workmates or bosses. Sure, sounds believable.

It’s all unravelling a bit for Danny Rohl. 3 league defeats on the spin and now guaranteed they’ll finish third in the league. Not all of his own making of course but it’s certainly been a terrible end of season for them.

Hopefully because someone in the EFL said to accept it but say that it wasn’t a direct instruction from from the club for the geezer to be there, and we just get a slap on the wrists.

Legal precedent hasn’t been set at all because there wasn’t a rule in place when Leeds did it. The rule was introduced entirely because of Leeds. So, their punishment was a slap on the wrists, a basic breaking of the moral code and then a closing of the loophole. We, it seems, broke the subsequent rule that was enacted. So, no, no precedent there.

Well, it could yes. But how much to make an actual difference other than a big fine. If this was caught during the season, what might a harsh penalty be deemed as? A points deduction is about as bad as it would get. Saints finished 7 points above Hull in 6th place. So you can’t imagine a regular points deduction would be anywhere near 7 points, that would utterly ludicrous. I’m thinking at the very, very worst, a 1 or 2 points deduction might be possible. And even that is a thorough unknown. So, let’s say we did get docked a couple of points, we’re still in the playoffs and still playing Middlesbrough. The only thing that changes is that Boro would be at home in the second leg. So quite how you equalise that with a punishment right now, fuck knows. I wouldn’t fancy being on the EFL panel that has to look into this! But it’s such a needless and embarrassing fiasco to be in. A completely idiotic scenario to be caught in.

This. Such a tinpot and utterly needless thing to do. Hopefully it’s a direction nowhere near the managerial team, but considering it’s a member of staff up there a few couple of days previous, I can’t see any other situation than we knowingly sent this hapless twat up there under instruction. just so foolishly whoever pressed go on this. Blackmore and House coming out saying we probably did it tells a lot.

Really? The second part, agreed.

I genuinely have no idea how I’ll vote. Definitely not Labour, the Southampton council has been disgracefully run. Obviously not Reform either. So it’s a shit sandwich of a choice after that.

‘A great move’ 🤣 It’s appealing to the reform base but as a political move it’s childlike. The argument is that issues of cost, practicality and safety should all be ignored because upsetting Green voters is the biggest priority. But then that’s reform, populist division plays well to the base.

Yep, an idiotic proposal designed to appeal to the easily led simpleton. Job done, it would seem.

🤣 Absolute plank of a comment. 2 goals, hit the post, worldie save from Peretz, had at least a couple of other top chances and looked strong all night. Offered nothing, fuck me

Oh

Need a bit of a solid midfield. Prob Azaz of and put Charles there, put Bragg in there.