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Why do we bother?
There can be little doubt that the start of the twenty-first century was a
difficult one for referees. Controversy, cock-ups and conflict. But it's not
as bad as it seems, as per usual, the media 'experts' have hyped it up
beyond all proportion. In two different newspapers, I read how referees had,
effectively, ruined "the national game".
The first article was Alan Fraser in the Daily Mail, who appeared to take
great pleasure in telling his readers how," 'Blind' Dermot Gallacher was in line with the 'offside' Shaun Goater goal..; David Elleray failed to detect Nick Barmby's 'dive' at Goodison; Mike Riley missed a 'Savage' tackle on Arsenal's Kanu; Graham Barber awarded Wolves a goal to the fury of Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Wilson".
Well, Mr. Fraser: I have yet to see a referee who interferes with offside
when he has two neutral assistants; surely David Elleray shouldn't have to
"detect" dives, but simply apply the laws to the best of his ability given
his view on the field; Mike Riley cautioned Robbie Savage!!; and Graham
Barber followed the advice of his assistant who was better placed.
Fair enough, everybody is entitled to their own opinion but when they're
published in a national newspaper, surely they only provide ammunition for
those idiots whose only occupation appears to be abusing us.
Continued….
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