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We all know about Michael Owen's controversial game-winning goal for United against Manchester City. We've listened to the explanation's from the Referee's in defence of the situation. I'm sure you have seen, or even taken part, in the heated debates across forums already.
This is'nt a new problem thats slowly creeping in to the game. For a long time people have had a feeling that the "top four" have curried favour with some referees, in regaurds to more than just mystery minutes added in stoppage time. I have always wondered why the issue at hand could not be solved with one simple solution.
Stopping the clock when the ball leaves the field of play.
The moment the whistle is blown for a foul, the clock is stopped. As soon as the linesman's flag is raised for a throw-in or corner, the clock is stopped. Once the ball crosses the line and the referee gives a goal, the clock is stopped. It can't be much simpler than that, surely?!
All that's needed is an offical sitting in a control room with monitors and speakers. When the flag is raised, or the whistle is blown, then the clock is stopped until play resumes. Once the allotted 90 minutes is complete, the on-field referee is informed and the game is over.
The final whistle blows regardless of what is happening on the pitch.
I thought I would open this up to debate and find out if there are any reasons why this could not be put in to practice.
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