[PA Media]
Have you seen that advert from before the most recent Women’s World Cup, fronted by male stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann which showcases the French footballing skill on the international stage? Except there is a twist – it is, in fact, coverage of the women’s team with the male players super-imposed over the top.
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Well, imagine it is Monday 18 May, 2026 and you are watching Arsenal take on Burnley in a crucial Premier League game which may well dictate the destination of the title. Hannibal Mejbri lunges in on Declan Rice in a reckless and high challenge, plunging his studs into Rice’s calf muscles. The referee makes no hesitation in showing Hannibal a straight red and Burnley are left with 10 men as he makes his way down the tunnel.
“But that’s not them you’ve just seen” is the headline in the French advert. And oh, don’t we know it. Because this is the Premier League and VAR in 2026.
There is not a scenario in the world where Kai Havertz should have stayed on the pitch following his awful challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu.
VAR is done. What is the point of it? Every single week we are reviewing mistakes and controversy and trying to understand baffling decisions. I will not miss it one bit next season.
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In the meantime, there was a lot to be said about Burnley’s own performance.
Mike Jackson has them playing with a little more freedom and we are a little more attacking. It is unclear as to the value of this improved confidence, given we do not yet know how many of this side will be sold in the summer, but beating Wolves on Sunday to avoid finishing bottom would be a morale boost for the fans.
Find more from Natalie Bromley at No Nay Never podcast
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