The use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the first time in the English Premier League bewildered fans and experts alike last weekend, prompting demands for change. The VAR system, previously used in England in the FA and League Cups, is supposed to eradicate any doubt that the right decision has been taken over goals, penalties and other key moments. There were several contentious calls. They included a penalty re-taken by Manchester City's Sergio Aguero because of encroachment by defenders in their 5-0 hammering of West Ham United. There was also a disallowed goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers' Leander Dendoncker due to the ball striking teammate Willy Boly on the arm before he scored. "We are going to have to play with our hands chopped off in future," was the reaction from Wolves captain Conor Coady. The EPL's all-time top scorer Alan Shearer, meanwhile, took issue with leaving the paying fans inside the stadia unaware of why the decision has either been taken or overruled. TV … [Read more...] about VAR off to a shaky start in English Premier League
Best behaved fans in the premier league
VAR will cause ‘controversy’ admits Premier League chief
SHANGHAI: Premier League interim chief executive Richard Masters admits VAR is certain to cause “controversy” when the technology makes its English top-flight debut in the forthcoming season. The video referee system will be used for the first time in the Premier League after its introduction was delayed for a year to allow time to develop the system. VAR has been used in England in the FA Cup and League Cup, as well as in numerous other foreign leagues and tournaments including the Champions League. It hasn’t been a huge success, with complaints from managers and fans about the slowness of the system and mistakes made by the officials. “I have no doubt it will create some controversy because it is about the big decisions but we are prepared for that,“ Masters said. “We have spent two years working up to this point, and we were committed to doing it in our heads for two years. “We have been training and testing and making sure when it happens, … [Read more...] about VAR will cause ‘controversy’ admits Premier League chief
VAR won’t take a tough stance on handballs in Premier League
REUTERS: The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will not be used to police a hard line on handballs when the technology is used in the Premier League for the first time next season, referees' chief Mike Riley has said.VAR made a controversy-filled debut in the women's game at World Cup level, baffling players and coaches as well as frustrating fans.Riley said several penalties awarded for handball at the tournament, as well as in last season's Champions League, would not be given in the Premier League."There are still areas of interpretation around the way the new handball has been written — effectively what you consider to be an unnatural position of hands and arms," he told The Times on Monday."In this country we have always said — and this is the players and managers saying it to us — that arms are part of the game and as long as you are not trying to extend your body to block a shot then there is more scope so that we don't penalise."What we don't want to create is a … [Read more...] about VAR won’t take a tough stance on handballs in Premier League
Metrobank lauded best-managed bank in the Philippines
Metrobank lauded best-managed bank in the Philippines (Philstar.com) - June 3, 2019 - 11:30am BANGKOK, Thailand — Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) was recognized as The Best Managed Bank in the Philippines in this year’s Asian Banker Leadership Achievement Awards. Widely acknowledged in the financial services industry, the award-giving body gives the highest possible accolade given to banks and individuals within the Asia Pacific and Gulf regions. The Best Managed Bank Award is based on excellent financial performance of organizations by measuring vision and strategy against actual achievements, the feedback of staff, customers, investors, and the industry. Metrobank was recognized for the following attributes: a superior domestic franchise under the leadership of its chairman and chief executive officer, a strong commitment to domestic customers at the product and service levels, a strong … [Read more...] about Metrobank lauded best-managed bank in the Philippines
Winners and losers from the Premier League’s best season
It was arguably the best Premier League season in history. The battle between Liverpool and Manchester City came down to the final Sunday of the campaign and required City to win their final 14 games of the season to hold on to their one-point lead and retain their crown. Liverpool finished second with the third-highest point total in Premier League history, while City held on for dear life and survived with one of the most impressive stretch runs you'll ever see.Jurgen Klopp & Co won't be too heartbroken if they win the Champions League on Jun 1, of course, but let's cheer them and the rest of the league by handing out arbitrary awards. Back in December, I went around the Premier League and gave out superlatives for everything from best substitute to most tired managerial storyline.Let's go back to the well and hand out awards for the full season. I've narrowed down the categories a bit, but with a full season of data to work with, I've expanded the results from … [Read more...] about Winners and losers from the Premier League’s best season