The French model is the best: if the draw produces any ties where there's 2+ divisions between the teams, the underdog is automatically given home advantage.
The French model is the best: if the draw produces any ties where there's 2+ divisions between the teams, the underdog is automatically given home advantage.
Agreed. There should be a way to look after the little guy while also abolishing replays.It's bad form that this was pushed through with minimal (or zero?) consultation with reps from lower down the football pyramid.
But on the whole it's the right decision. I don't buy into the myth that replays are a part of the game to be treasured and the comp is fundamentally devalued without them. They can play havoc with the scheduling calendar and increase the injury risk.
The % of games where lower league (and non-league) take PL sides to replays is pretty low in the grand scheme of things. Plus, this may actually lead to a higher likelihood of giantkillings, as the lower league side have an opportunity to knock the big side out at home in ET or pens in front of their own fans.
Is the change being driven primarily for the good of the game? Probably not. It's likely more driven by pressure from the big clubs to avoid nuisance replays, especially as there'll be more games in the CL next season.
In terms of optics & fairness it would've been nice if the change had come with a little bump in the % of money which the PL contributes to the EFL and below.
Shocking, it would be one thing from open play at speed but how could the ref could miss that from a set piece.
It really does.
It really does.