The data shows what it shows - I'm not arguing it shows anything else. It shows a consistency and tiny spread of the decisions recorded as such.
You are arguing that the data backs up your claim, you're doing it now, whilst ignoring the fact that the data is fundamentally flawed because it only records what happened, not what didn't but should have. As such, it is only consistent in showing part of the picture, not the whole. Therefore, it HAS to be viewed as flawed.
I never said it all evens out - what I said was, when looking at the data and other teams' examples of the inconsistencies against them, that we are not some major outlier.
I never said you did, I suggested you had that mindset, which is reinforced by your assertion that a flawed "consistency" is proof.
I watch a lot of games - and VAR is called into question, when it is used almost every time in every game.
Precisely my point. Before VAR we had
some contention in the odd game. Now we have contention in virtually ALL of the games played. Before VAR, the odd ref would have a ricket, now we essentially have 3 referees making far more inexplicable decisions. You claim it's just ineptitude, whereas I believe it is both ineptitude and corruption.
My eyes are wider than Spurs -
As are mine, hence why I qualified that my argument is beyond just a "them and us" argument.
And absolutely, there are more teams that get away with things than others - such is the inconsistency of human nature when evaluating subjective incidents.
If it were that simple, the spread would be even. It's not though, as you've just admitted yourself. Whether it's bias or by design, it is still corruption, as you have supposed "neutral" officials making decisions predominantly in favour of certain clubs. It's not just this season either, this has been consistently displayed over decades.
And in fact, VAR for offside has greatly reduced the number of contentious decisions and limits the bias in that area.
The exception that proves the rule. Much like goal line tech, that is one area that isn't really subject to human interference, though it is contributing massively to the erosion of "the beautiful game." It is every other aspect of officiating that is only consistent in its favour towards certain teams, by using inconsistency to produce a favourable result for those teams. Simon's Red, Havertz Yellow, VVD no foul as an example of just one foul, almost identical in every aspect, but only one team punished appropriately. I don't contend the Simons Red, I contend that the other 2 should also be Red but, because of who they play for, they weren't.
Sure, arsneal should have had more shit go against them - but if it is unconscious bias then that's all it is - if it is match fixing then I ask again - who is behind it and why?
I've stated this multiple times over multiple threads. The PL require their biggest teams, in terms of Worldwide fanbase, to be successful as often as possible. This then means that their product is sought after and they can charge top dollar to sell the broadcasting rights.
You really have to be naive to think that they wouldn't do something to ensure they maximise their appeal to those fans. The odd romantic "Leicester season" only allows the illusion of fairness. The reality can be seen in every match you watch.
And you cannot willfully ignore the unconcious bias of a fan towards their own team either - by nature most fans are simply not objective.
I don't, and this is why what the PL do works. You only need to look at the reaction to WH's disallowed goal on here to see that. Whilst it was acknowledged that the call, whilst right, has been something Woolwich have got away with all season, most were happy because we benefited vicariously from it.
The PL understand the tribal nature of fans so well that they're pretty blatant about it now. They also understand this "were British so corruption NEVER happens here" arrogance that seems to pervade here.
I watch a fair bit of EFL Football, all without VAR. These are supposed to be "lesser" referees yet, without VAR, the number of contentious decisions are miniscule compared to the PL.
How is it that a ref and 2 linesmen, in lesser leagues with far fewer fans and far less TV revenue at risk, are able to officiate to a much higher degree than in a league where you have essentially 3 refs and 2 linesmen, with the benefit of video replay to inform their decisions?
Unconscious bias towards neutrality?