Comment Re:clock != play (Score 1) 257
Well the play does stop, and I don't know anyone who would claim otherwise. However, the game can't be stopped arbitrarily and the 'stops' are often tactically kept very short. Consider the recent world cup match Germany vs England: A shot hit the crossbar, then the ground, then the crossbar again before returning to the field. If it isn't a goal, play should continue uninterrupted, if it is, then you should stop. Do you stop the game to watch a replay? What if the ball is returned for another goal?
Likewise, throw-ins and free-kicks are often taken quickly to press an attacking advantage - you don't give the defense time to reset particularly if you're counter-attacking. Stopping for a replay would allow defensive players to get back and break an attacking advantage.