They absolutely are influenced by outside factors, be it managers with a track record of blaming bad results on the officials (i.e. Ferguson, Mourinho, Arteta) or being the focus of several days worth of discourse, and of course given the pundit class is mainly made made up of ex-man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal players that is going to play a partAre refs really affected by pundits and in that split second do they think I better give/not give this because otherwise it will be scrutinised by Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville?
I don’t believe they are.
The concept of the penalty area isn't helping the officials in my view. If a penalty was reserved for a dogso and ordinary free kicks were given for fouls otherwise there would be a lot less pressure on the ref.
I think they are affected by the money which is from TV that is represented by pundits. The FA I assume will advise the refs and the refs will discuss how best to meet the requirements of their employers. The framework of decision making will be laid out and seems to vary each season as they famously (learn lessons) from the previous season plus this seasons 'improvements'. We see this constant tinkering with the game and this IMO is driven by pundits, in essence TV money.Are refs really affected by pundits and in that split second do they think I better give/not give this because otherwise it will be scrutinised by Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville?
I don’t believe they are.
They absolutely are influenced by outside factors, be it managers with a track record of blaming bad results on the officials (i.e. Ferguson, Mourinho, Arteta) or being the focus of several days worth of discourse, and of course given the pundit class is mainly made made up of ex-man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal players that is going to play a part
Look at Carragher handwaving away van Dijk's foul on Richy yesterday for example, yet if the same foul happened at the other end he'd have been howling for PGMOL to replay the match
I think they are affected by the money which is from TV that is represented by pundits. The FA I assume will advise the refs and the refs will discuss how best to meet the requirements of their employers. The framework of decision making will be laid out and seems to vary each season as they famously (learn lessons) from the previous season plus this seasons 'improvements'. We see this constant tinkering with the game and this IMO is driven by pundits, in essence TV money.
Refs constantly try to make the whole thing a spectacle about themselves.
Look at Tierney standing in the middle of the Chelsea huddle before kick off. He knew exactly what he was doing. Even gives a few glances at the camera to get a sense of where it was, then spent the remainder of the huddle trying to engage the most high profile player there (Palmer) in a staring competition.
Refs constantly try to make the whole thing a spectacle about themselves.
Look at Tierney standing in the middle of the Chelsea huddle before kick off. He knew exactly what he was doing.
Referees are a very odd breed: far too many of them love being the centre of attention during matches, yet really don't want to be the centre of attention after matchesIf they are then they need to do better.
I still disagree they are though and don’t think the ref thinks I better give this or not give this as Jamie Carragher will talk about it.
They probably can't afford themPersonally I think the PL would benefit from having ex-pros both as on pitch officials and VAR assessors. Maybe ideally from other European leagues.
The current officials have never played the game at that level - or anything close - so they might know the rules (questionable) but certainly don't understand how to break them ....
Would also offer players the opportunity to stay connected to the game (despite the fact that most are made for life after their short playing) careers.
But consistency is too hard given the difference in outcome.The "concept" is very simple.
ANY infringement by a player that would result
in a foul anywhere on the pitch, but occurs in the
box, results in a penalty kick.
Be puritan or be loose, no issue. But be CONSISTENT.
But consistency is too hard given the difference in outcome.

Personally I think the PL would benefit from having ex-pros both as on pitch officials and VAR assessors. Maybe ideally from other European leagues.
The current officials have never played the game at that level - or anything close - so they might know the rules (questionable) but certainly don't understand how to break them ....
Would also offer players the opportunity to stay connected to the game (despite the fact that most are made for life after their short playing) careers.
Just a thought: have an ex-pro exchange with the Scottish leaguesWouldn’t ex players be accused of having even more bias though?
Just a thought: have an ex-pro exchange with the Scottish leagues
Of course, there is the risk the ex-Celtic players would side with Liverpool on certain decisions...
Hence my comment about from alternative leagues.Wouldn’t ex players be accused of having even more bias though?