Originally Published January 22nd 2024 for For Green Fields clients
I like the markets on Brighton matches as they are, by a considerable distance, the most intriguing to solve.
With no other outfit can the general market sentiment be so far off the mark, as stratified trading in strict confidence secretes market positions into the global book almost unnoticed.
For Brighton v Wolves, the entirely useless Bankes gets his third Stockley Park appointment in this round of matches (the high betting turnover events Burn v LT, NU v MC and BHA v WW) - what a peculiar fluke!).
The recent FA / EFL / PGMOL shenanigans relating to the selection of VAR Officials and whether VAR is present has become farcical.
For all FA Cup Matches, two VAR Officials were chosen - no reason, no explanation.
For the League Cup Semi Finals 1st Leg, VAR Official was announced but then crossed out in crayon and there was no VAR at Middlesbrough or Liverpool.
The 2nd Leg's skipped the first stage of this process and went straight for no VAR.
Once again, no public comment just unseen insiders manipulating our realities at their collective whim.
Now.
What has changed from previous occasions where VAR was used at non-Premier League grounds in the latter stages of the League Cup and FA Cup?
In 2022, League Cup Quarter Final between Boro and Chelsea (what is the logic in it being used in a QF between two teams and then not used in a SF between the same two teams?), at Nottingham Forest in the previous season's FA Cup Quarter Final, at Sheffield United in FA Cup QF last season plus games at Burton and Boro in other League Cup seasons and others.
No public discussion just random rule changes set to hidden agendas away from the eyes of regulation.
The fans (and English football) need IREF now.
© 2024 Football is Fixed
