I mean, I’m not saying that there was any corruption or explicit instruction to give them a penalty, but even the minor thought that a certain club’s state-owners might pay me/hire me more often can be incredibly enticing.

      • EliteLevelJobber@alien.topB
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        1 year ago

        Us Arsenal fans won’t so easily dismiss it. If referees are having their income supplemented by the same state wealth fund that props up one of the clubs they’re officiating then their judgement is in question.

        It doesn’t even have to be a nefarious arrangement. Humans are just often keenly aware of where their bread is buttered

        The fact that PGMOL don’t even seem worried about having their integrity called into question shows that football media is completely asleep at the wheel. Sky, BBC et al. Aren’t doing anything like journalism it’s more like advertising for the premier league and its collection of robber barons, mob bosses, and blood-soaked dictators