Project restart discussion.

[caught]

What's the verdict on the return of the prem, I didn't watch it as I'm sort of having my own little protest at the farce of it all, I believe they had a fancam of fans sat at home in their kits and scarves watching the laptop, sounds like a kopites wet dream

Not a boycott as such. I just have no interest in it, try as I might. It just feels hollow, meaningless.
Without the tribalism football is nothing.

It’s different to me being American and not something I was born into... but I’m not into this at all. I think it might be because the whole thing is a foregone conclusion and has been since September.

I do wonder if I’ll feel the same way when basketball and ice hockey start up again over here with no fans. At least they have playoffs and it’s all still to play for.

I genuinely forgot about the restart until I woke up and turned the news on this morning. Watching football forced into a compromised possibility by market capitalism doesn't particularly appeal anyway, but, more so, it just feels totally incidental now after such a long break and everything everyone has been through in the interim. I'd go as far to say that there's something disrespectful about the idea, but maybe that's just me. I don't even care about Liverpool winning it: give them their title, arrange some kind of play-off tournament for the bottom PL clubs and top Championship clubs if needs must, then just prepare for a new season to begin where possible. A series of soulless and joyless training games to finish off a season that is already dead doesn't bring anyone any pleasure.

The idea that the return of football would bring some kind of communal lift is ludicrous anyway, but the last thing anyone needs is this: everyone sees that this isn't an example of professionalism or fortitude or spirit, it's a cold and distasteful example of how money is more important than people.

 

[Jonte]

You can sum up the ‘Restart’ in one word: Perfunctory.

 

[Jonte]

I genuinely forgot about the restart until I woke up and turned the news on this morning. Watching football forced into a compromised possibility by market capitalism doesn't particularly appeal anyway, but, more so, it just feels totally incidental now after such a long break and everything everyone has been through in the interim. I'd go as far to say that there's something disrespectful about the idea, but maybe that's just me. I don't even care about Liverpool winning it: give them their title, arrange some kind of play-off tournament for the bottom PL clubs and top Championship clubs if needs must, then just prepare for a new season to begin where possible. A series of soulless and joyless training games to finish off a season that is already dead doesn't bring anyone any pleasure.

The idea that the return of football would bring some kind of communal lift is ludicrous anyway, but the last thing anyone needs is this: everyone sees that this isn't an example of professionalism or fortitude or spirit, it's a cold and distasteful example of how money is more important than people.

Top post.

 

[daza_1973]

I genuinely forgot about the restart until I woke up and turned the news on this morning. Watching football forced into a compromised possibility by market capitalism doesn't particularly appeal anyway, but, more so, it just feels totally incidental now after such a long break and everything everyone has been through in the interim. I'd go as far to say that there's something disrespectful about the idea, but maybe that's just me. I don't even care about Liverpool winning it: give them their title, arrange some kind of play-off tournament for the bottom PL clubs and top Championship clubs if needs must, then just prepare for a new season to begin where possible. A series of soulless and joyless training games to finish off a season that is already dead doesn't bring anyone any pleasure.

The idea that the return of football would bring some kind of communal lift is ludicrous anyway, but the last thing anyone needs is this: everyone sees that this isn't an example of professionalism or fortitude or spirit, it's a cold and distasteful example of how money is more important than people.

100% agree - and when mid July to August approaches and the government furlough scheme changes to put an onus on companies to contribute - many tens of thousands will find themselves through no fault of their own unemployed / laid off and their future full of uncertainty..
I'm sure this souless pathetic charade that is now underway will help them through these dark days ahead.

 

[Brennan]

Wasn’t great, wasn’t terrible. Nice to have some PL football to watch, there’s only so many quizzes and Netflix documentaries you can take.

 

[PITA]

Is VAR going to be used? If not imagine the 5th sub handballs in the winner

Yes but they're swerving goal line technology.

 

[Alan Whittle]

The media’s reaction to the “goal” fiasco at Villa has been pathetic. Placing it somewhere between a bit of a joke and these things happen. Aren’t the media supposed to hold organisations to scrutiny? Proof, if any were needed that they are firmly ensconced on the gravy train rather than holding it to account. Sheffield United would be only a minor paymaster so they will have to suck it up. Imagine if it had happened to one of the Sky six? Fumerama and calling for heads to roll etc. #mediainfootballspocket.

 

[PITA]

I think 55 is a lot and devastating if you are one of them.

55 doesn't matter. 39 doesn't matter. The only number that does is 96 (it would seem).

 

[PITA]

Dunno bout you, but I feel a lot better about the restart, since the wonderful premier league announced that there will be a minute's silence before the first round of games, as a mark of respect for all the poor souls lost to covid-19. That's just what the country, and the families of those we've lost need isn't it, along with the footy back of course, as the media keep telling us we all need the huge morale boost from that.

I dunno what all the fuss was about. Even better, all the teams will have little heart badges on their kits, as a thank you to the NHS.

Brilliant! I'm sure that little badge will really help the NHS and all front line staff, especially if there are any gatherings of "customers" or fans, at any games, and the inevitable increase in infection and admissions to hospitals.....

It will help my wife who works for the NHS yet hasn't had a COVID test. She has, of course, willingly given up her turn to allow a footballer to have one of his many tests. It's all about public morale. She's a diamond.

 

[kenada_blue]

The media’s reaction to the “goal” fiasco at Villa has been pathetic. Placing it somewhere between a bit of a joke and these things happen. Aren’t the media supposed to hold organisations to scrutiny? Proof, if any were needed that they are firmly ensconced on the gravy train rather than holding it to account. Sheffield United would be only a minor paymaster so they will have to suck it up. Imagine if it had happened to one of the Sky six? Fumerama and calling for heads to roll etc. #mediainfootballspocket.

That's what's absolutely getting on my goat. It's a complete shrug like it's a kick about or a training game that will get "better".

It's costing games, millions of pounds, dictating matches incorrectly. It's an absolute shambles that needs someone to absolutely rip it to shreds. How can Hawk Eye just come out and apologise and everyone say "that's okay'. How can VAR refs come out after games and go "we got it wrong". They've spent millions of pounds for it to work not to apologise after it doesn't.

Everyone is scared to lay in to it worried about fines or job security. If Fergie was around still, I'm pretty sure he'd absolutely scathe it and everyone else would follow suit.

More needs to be done to smash it to bits. Not to shrug and move on.

 

[Alan Whittle]

That's what's absolutely getting on my goat. It's a complete shrug like it's a kick about or a training game that will get "better".

It's costing games, millions of pounds, dictating matches incorrectly. It's an absolute shambles that needs someone to absolutely rip it to shreds. How can Hawk Eye just come out and apologise and everyone say "that's okay'. How can VAR refs come out after games and go "we got it wrong". They've spent millions of pounds for it to work not to apologise after it doesn't.

Everyone is scared to lay in to it worried about fines or job security. If Fergie was around still, I'm pretty sure he'd absolutely scathe it and everyone else would follow suit.

More needs to be done to smash it to bits. Not to shrug and move on.

Especially as it appears to have emancipated the officials. The ref & his assistants can see the ball over the line but are not allowed to award a goal because the tech doesn’t work. It was supposed to enhance the refs authority not replace it.

 

[PITA]

I can say without any doubt that a vaccine will not be readily available till at least next year, IMHO.

?

 

[kenada_blue]

Especially as it appears to have emancipated the officials. The ref & his assistants can see the ball over the line but are not allowed to award a goal because the tech doesn’t work. It was supposed to enhance the refs authority not replace it.

There's at least 7+ human officials (4 on the field, 3 in VAR) and a Hawkeye cutting edge technology system all reviewing 1 act.

And they still get it wrong.

This happens in any business...there's repercussions. But not in football unless someone with some clout says something.

 

[toffee82]

To be fair to Hawk Eye, this has been the first real time it has been a let down. It has been great in cricket, tennis and goal line up to yesterday.

It's VAR that gets me. Why are they not getting in touch with the ref and saying that hawk eye has missed it and the ball crossed the line? Surely they saw it if everyone else watching did.

 

[roydo]

I am not buying this tripe that all 7 hawk eye cameras were blocked from seeing the ball/line.

What about the one they always show from the crossbar? Someone didnt turn it on, or turned if off by accident, and they cant bear to admit it.