The FA have banned Managers from berating the referee before kick-off, in an attempt to give the men in black more protection. According to the FA any Manager who makes derogatory comments about an official before the start of a match will face disciplinary action. Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t this the case anyway? Managers are always slagging off the refs in pre-match interviews, ultimately being cautioned or fined by the FA. The FA will also be clamping down on harrassment of the referee during games, in an attempt to stop incidents such as the Chelsea vs Barcelona Champions League encounter last season, in which Didier Drogba lost the plot and called Norweigan referee Tom Henning Ovrebo a “f****** disgrace” (which he was) live on Sky Sports.
Our poor refs do get a lot of stick, but most of it is justified. Mike Riley is the primary victim, most probably because of his weedy, push-over appearance. Howard Webb, big guy, has been touted for some time now as the Premier League’s top ref, while Mark Clattenburg, also a big lad, was given similar accolades two years ago, although his reputation seems to have disintegrated, especially after his woeful decision to allow Manchester United a penalty against Tottenham last season. Had he not given the jammy buggers the spot-kick, Liverpool would have won the League. Not that I’m bitter.
Italy’s recently retired Pierluigi Colina was arguably the most respected referee in the World throughout his career. His goggly eyes, stubborn face, and sometimes jovial character made him a player’s favourite. If only we had some Colina’s in this country! No one’s gonna back away from Mike Riley in a stare-off are they?!
It’s part of the game though. What’s football without a bit of pre-match, in-match, and post-match verbals from Sir Alex and co? Personally, I love the stuff. Anything with the possibility of Ferguson getting in trouble, I’m there!
Who’d be a ref eh?
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