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What do you
think about the oft-promoted versions and equivalents to video technology?
Goal-line technology?
Yes. Independant time keeping? Yes. Sin-bins? Yes. Extra goal-line officials? Yes.
Retrospective Video review
panels to deal with diving, foul play etc, regardless of whether the Ref has seen the incident or not? Yes.
Video replays? NO! It would kill the flow of the game and lead to more stoppages and dissent over every decision.
Do you think players' reputations ever affect a referee's
judgement?
A Ref has to be aware of all aspects of players’ actions, just like a player
is aware of an opponent. Awareness is vital, but you must not prejudge, you must deal with every incident on its merits.
Who was the most difficult player for you to keep under
control when officiating in your career?
Any player was capable of losing it, dependant on the
given circumstances. Different players responded to various course of action. Some you could talk to others not.
It was all about personalities and some players were easier to handle than others. Different Refs would have players they
did not deal with easily.
It was not about isolated decisions it was about getting their respect in general terms.
Personally I never got on with Danny Mills, Steve Staunton and Tomas Repka. They would no doubt say the same about me!
There has been a lot of talk about female officials in
football recently, what's your take?
They have to pass the same fitness tests as men, so if
they are good enough then I am in full agreement.
What
was your favourite chant that you had dedicated to you?
"You're
too fat to referee." Cheeky twats, I always passed the fitness tests and more importantly could control games
and players. Refs need to be strong and I was known for that.
What is your most bizarre refereeing experience?
Following through in a pre-season friendly!
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Villain of the Week
 Another week where the image of the game takes an almighty battering. The race for the Premier League title is almost
as fierce as that for the title of worst loser.
Arsene Wenger is giving Fergie an almighty run for his money off the pitch as well as on it. His latest rants, though, were
on the European stage.
His hapless goalkeeper was probably the
main reason why his side lost to Porto, but once again in admirable defence for his players he tries to find another scapegoat.
In true Fergie style he lashes out at the ref. His statement that Sol
Campbell did not deliberately pass the ball to his keeper is unbelievable. Does he really honestly think that, because if
so his dodgy eyesight has failed him once again?
It was a clear
cut, blatant, obvious pass from Campbell to the keeper who chose to pick the ball up rather than kick it. To try and transfer
the blame onto the official is underhanded and shows a complete lack of decency and sportsmanship.
The whole dishonesty that is apparent in the game was summed up by refusal to admit
that for once he did actually see something and take it on the chin.
See the article in full, here...
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