Referees

Yesterday's referee in the Bradford City v. Wycombe Wanderers game was an absolute shocker. It was not that I am totally biased or that City lost, but he was just dreadfully inept and spoiled the game by becoming the centre of attraction. One wonders how referees like this remain on the league list.

I have often written to the Football Association about the poor standards of refereeing and have never received any honesty or openness in reply. The fact that the marks given to referees by clubs and assessors are not published says it all.

It is a popular saying amongst football supporters that the referee had a good game if you did not notice him. How often can we say that these days? It is a difficult, thankless task but I continue to fail to understand the lack of consistency between referees and within matches. Surely the Football Association should set consistent standards and educate their officials through regular video / DVD guidance in this high tech age? If they do, it is not apparent in the application of refereeing in matches.

Yesterday we had a player booked after a histrionic fall by a Wycombe player, giving a free kick and resulting in the only goal of the game. Shortly afterwards a Wycombe player committed a similar, if not worse foul, and was not booked. At times the referee seemed completely lacking in control of what was going on - restarting play with drop balls, when the ball had been put into touch to allow the trainer on. Goal kicks given when it should have been a corner.

Come on referees - get your act together and stop spoiling the spirit of football. This is meant to be entertainment, not carry on whistling.