Whistle Blower

@henrywinter Villareal not Valencia in 2005?

“If ever there was a case for keeping VAR, this shambolic refereeing performance was it." To-the-point headline in the Telegraph after the error-filled, VAR-less FA Cup tie at Villa Park. Missed pens, offsides, fouls. Chris Kavanagh and his assistants know they got plenty wrong. But was it poor officiating or they’re simply conditioned to having the comfort blanket of VAR to get decisions right? Probably, a bit of both. Technology was brought in so there would never be another Hand of God, Hand of Thierry or Lampard goal-line controversy. Plenty of mistakes triggered anger and debates pre-technology. The two worst refereeing performances I’ve seen were Pierluigi Collina, Valencia v Everton in 2005, and Tom Henning Ovrebo, Chelsea v Barcelona in 2009. Both pre-VAR. Goal-line technology, quick and accurate, is a huge plus. VAR would be a plus - if used properly and as originally intended. PL interventions are becoming fewer (good) but some interventions take far too long (infuriating). Many fans would like VAR scrapped because it robs/tempers that instant adrenalin shot of a goal and a generation are growing up in the PL not able to revel in the moment. But VAR is staying, clubs voted 19-1 for it. It’s about making it applicable to a fast-moving, emotion-rich game. It’s about making it less forensic, and focused only on catching clear and obvious mistakes. It's about making the Laws clearer. It’s also about investing even more in grass-roots officials and accelerating pathways. On a positive note, Farai Hallam earned plenty of praise from Hull and Chelsea fans for his assured handling of their FA Cup tie. The game needs more of his ability.

@MattRodda Totally delusional. The electorate won't forget Labour breaching its manifesto by putting up taxes on working people.

Great to be joined today by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, and to talk with residents about the positive news from this week’s budget.

@JNorthcroft @Carra23 Getting Grobbelaar v Mcmanaman vibes

@Carra23 is right - Tony Harrington could have just managed the situation, rather than rush in with the red card for Gana. The law - like most in football - leaves room for interpretation and commonsense to be applied.

@iancowie Thoughts on Ecofin now top holdings (1/3rd of the fund) based in China?

How to hide your investments from the next stealth tax thetimes.com/article/34a3fc…

@MattRodda The main damage to small businesses in Reading is caused by Labour's disastrous economic policies. Politely suggest you visit Reading high street to see that for yourself.

I take great pride in the amazing variety of small and medium businesses in Reading, and was pleased to be able to highlight this in Parliament. Please take the time to nominate your favourite local business in my Small Business Competition at: mattroddamp.com/sbs2025

@MattRodda Station Hill in Reading has become an urban survival challenge in avoiding all the beggars and anti-social behaviour, so it's a bit soon to be doing victory laps

The Elizabeth Line is bringing new jobs and housing to Reading. I asked the Government for an update on the benefits of the new railway line.

@MattRodda 3.5 years late and £3bn over budget is hardly an example of successful project delivery committees.parliament.uk/work/4006/cros…

I asked the Secretary of State for Transport what lessons can be learnt from the success of the Elizabeth Line and the huge economic benefits it has delivered for the region.

Absolutely crackers that people fall for these scams.... know one cowboy outfit even also run a luxury estate agent company complete with high pressure sales techniques @mrtylernewman @DamionMerry

Luxury Property Partners: zero properties under offer, more agents than properties.....no wonder given their terrible marketing and non-existent customer service

Went to an open house by @luxproppartners No substance just aggressive, high pressure sales methods presented as marketing by wannabe social media influencers #avoid #luxurypropertypartners

@iancowie @annabelbrodies @JemmaJackson_ GIF would be more appealing to me if had larger % holdings in energy than financials. And also how to reconcile human rights concerns e.g. migrant workers in the region

How #tracker funds missed record #dividend payments due to be distributed soon but actively-managed #investment trusts give access to fossil and #renewable #energy #shares ⁦@annabelbrodies⁩ ⁦@JemmaJackson_⁩ thetimes.co.uk/article/29a3a7…

@iancowie @annabelbrodies @JemmaJackson_ Appreciate (if you know) you can explain the WHT % rates on dividends in ADR/USD v DKK shares? Thanks

How #investors can gain pounds from other folk’s need to lose weight. Do well by doing good with #healthcare #shares and #investment trusts ⁦@annabelbrodies⁩ ⁦@JemmaJackson_⁩ thetimes.co.uk/article/db90eb…

@theesk @mikeygow Both excellent podcasts with insightful guests, thanks for organising. Interesting theory on the leak. In corporate world that would be a sackable/criminal offence but reflective of corp governance & indication of disconnect between Owner & Chair

And secondly, with @mikeygow a look at China, the Gold connection and the future for Everton fans to come together digitally - thanks for listening! shows.acast.com/the-esk-podcas…

Great feedback on two podcasts in the last 24 hours. Thank you. Firstly with @mjshrimper & @RichardWatts01 shows.acast.com/the-esk-podcas…

@Paddy_Boyland Will someone have to be cut from the 25 man squad or any other outs still possible?

Glad that's over! Everton head into February with a new manager, backroom staff & 2x fresh faces in midfield. Will tackle final part of season with fresh optimism

@theesk No one comes into do a bad job but it's hard to imagine anyone doing a worse job over that time

Farhad Moshiri “Our Chairman is very important. We are keeping the Chairman as long as we can. He manfully fulfils his functions and I really appreciate what the Chairman does.” One word: delusional. His track record doesn't stand up. We need better people making better decisions

17 months we set out on a journey to change the governance of @FA . We - The Peoples Football Association, Join our journey Our blueprint and reform solutions are here: faequalitynow.com @faequalitynow - follow sign change.org/p/uk-parliamen…

The Peoples Football Association representatives are currently in Westminster ready to present a new vision for English Football at 10 Downing Street at 11am. Stay tuned. @ambromicha @CarltonPalmer @realpaulparker2 @theesk @footballdaily @itn @SkySportsNews @BBCSport @itvnews

Sign up to the petition here which was launched today at 11am at 10 DOWNING STREET: change.org/p/uk-parliamen…

Visit faequalitynow.com to find out more and scroll to the bottom to sign our petition to make the @fa more democratic, more inclusive and fit for purpose in the 21st Century