So I’m sitting her watching FC Bayern vs Berlin. I’ve been a passive FC Bayern since high school. So anyway, in around the 75min the official sees a foul by Bayern on Berlin in the Berlin defending third. He motions the FIFA approved signal for advantage for Berlin to play through, in their defending third. I know these are pros and all but usually not a good idea in the defending third. The commentator then goes on to say , “A good advantage call”.  The following four passes by Berlin pin them even more into the defending third. In the 79min Bayern have a great head on goal. The player heading the ball comes through on the flick but it’s close. They then go to show the replay and the guy is perfectly onside with a well timed move. The commentator says, “I’m not really sure about that”. Meaning that, to him, the player was offside.

My problem here is that commentators seem to have about the same level of understanding of the laws of the game as some average high school players. I really do think these guys, the commentators, as gatekeepers of sorts should have a better understanding of the laws of the game. A good advantage isn’t one that is simply followed with position for the next four passes. Movement up the field or some tactical gain should result. Players moving through with the ball are onside and instances where you can’t be sure there is no offside. “If in doubt keep it down” (the flag that is). I want them to comment on things like that. Teaching the “great unwashed”, as it were. I have yet to hear a commentator voice opinion about the officials or laws and not show their ignorance. I notice that most of the guys that comment on the premiership tend not to comment on the officials, the Americans might what to look into that.

ALSO, good to see how the American riders did in the prologue of the Tour of Cali today. Lets see how they do overall.