Footie

Yes, it's been dominating the TV schedules, conversations and national press for months now; at least it seems that way but now we're nearly at the end of it. So, a few of my own observations on the "glorious" game.

1. Kick the off side rule into touch. It's been scientifically proven that the human brain is incapable of being 100% correct in deciding off side so it's ridiculous to have such a stupid and brittle rule in a game that is worth billions and can make or break clubs and players.

The first reaction you get to such a bold statement is usually horror followed by "think of the goal hangers" cobblers. Yes, and so what? Use tactics to decide how to deal with these "goal hangers" and let the game develop. In fact, don't the punters want to see goals anyway?

Aye, dump off side (as indeed field hockey did many years ago without loss of skill, entertainment and excitement) and let's see managers really earn their corn.

Plus it saves confusing the burds...;-D

2. Why aren't goals scored in penalties at the end of extra time not counted on personal tallies? It seems logical that these nerve racking and tense 11 metre strikes demand a whole load more effort, concentration and skill than perhaps a goal in open play during normal time so why are they ignored?

3. Video replays. Far from undermining the referees status in the game in can only enhance it and with all grounds having huge screens and a gazillion cameras it's a piece of piss to implement. Look at cricket- works a treat with minimum of fuss and delay so why is football so snobby and backward to dismiss it?

4. Referees. Lack of respect and intimidation by players is appalling to watch and doesn't make for an easy life to the umpire, so impose a 5 metre exclusion zone around the ref and anyone, aside from the captain, inside this area after the whistle has blown for a free kick gets a green card. Another green card and it's a yellow and then a red. Again green cards are used in hockey (although you are sin binned for a length of time at the umpire's discretion) and it works a treat. Only the captain should be allowed to approach the referee during the time of play. Period.

OK, just a few thoughts for you to consider- please feel free to add your own or ridicule mine. After all, it's only a game of two halves, innit?