The game would never be going for more than 10 seconds if I blew for a player holding an opponents shirt 
Previous Message
I currently a U18 coach. I wouldnt be shocked if you blew for pulling a shirt or standing holding an opposition player. It happens multiple times in every game, thats its punished.
What I would say is that refs at our level at least, seem to have a differ standard for this activity in the box. Thats when its never called.
so it depends where it happens, theres more consequences when its in the box so seems to be ignored. Previous Message
it's only an offence if it impedes an opponent
So grabbing hold of a player's shirt is almost expected, if I was to blow for a foul for that at an academy game u13 to u16 the coaches would be shocked Previous Message
1) The VAR confidently states that it’s a ‘total accident’ - before even watching the replay. He’s made his mind up before even using the technology, so why even have the technology? Surely at least go through the exercise before making your decision?
2) The VAR then says that the ‘total accident’ is caused because ‘He’s gone to grab the player.’ The video then shows Fernandes wrapping his arms around Barry - who he’s ’gone to grab.’ So, isn’t that a penalty in and of itself?
https://x.com/irishefc1878/status/2054353849490501780?s=46
Watching this back absolutely infuriates me. It reinforces my view that these people aren’t corrupt - they’re just entirely incompetent.
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on May 13, 2026, 12:35 pm, in reply to "