As a longstanding referee of quite a high level witin the English pyramid (now retired due to being an old fat git), I am really concerned about these tweets from Phil Hay, YEP regarding the official today, Oliver Langford. The direct implication is that he cheated. It is exactly how I felt through the game, and is the only time I have ever felt that way about a referee. It is also something I have never considered possible of a referee. It is a sad day. Phil Hay‏@PhilHayYEP "Warnock: "Brown wrong to put himself in that situation." But says ref told Pugh his 'card was marked' beforehand after his tackles v Reading" "Warnock's view on Langford comments to Pugh: "That's pre-meditated, totally wrong and out of order." #lufc"
This should be reported at the highest level. The referee should be nailed for being unprofessional. Absolutely shocking. It's not just a Leeds thing - I would be distressed if he did this to any club. No referee should start a match with an agenda. This guy should be banned, not relegated. A strong message must be sent out.
Referees need to start every match with information to help them keep the game safe, fair and fun. To the extent possible, that means doing one's homework so as to know the teams, their histories (in games between them) and their players. Knowing the players is critical in terms of who are the skilled players and who are the thugs. Sharing that knowledge with the players is just not very good man management - the most critical element in a referee's performance, IMHO.
Think you might be out on your own with that one Jonny. My gut reactionseems to be in line with Elmo's feelings, and he's been through the mill as a qualified referee. I think you'll find that he appears to have seriously overstepped the mark. At the end of the day, bad behaviour should be punished - it should not be influenced by the history of the perpetrator. A broken leg is a broken leg, whether it's a thug or a nice boy that's caused it.
Any one remember Ray Tinkler ? now he was a cheat AS were many more refs in the 70's. But I totally agree with Elmo a very sad day.
I totally disagree if I am honest, a referee should treat every match exactly the same, we know Brown is a thug as is the likes of many other players in every division including the premiership but we DO see them victimised, why wasn't Pugh's card marked after his previous matches challenges? You can't go into a game thinking to yourself "any other player it would have been a yellow but I know you are a dirty bastard so it is going to be red" it just shouldn't work that way.
Another point - When I watched us play against Reading on Sky I cringed at two of Brown's tackles, I immediately thought oh no, red card... The TV replays showed he won the ball cleanly on both occasions and they were actually excellent full on tackles to be proud of. Thankfully the ref got a good view of both and agreed. Another ref who might not have got the same view could have easily pulled a card out "just because it is Brown" they don't have the luxury of a TV replay and that split decision they make should not be based on anything in the past.
Having now seen the challenge, it was a definate red card. He lifted his leg up and studded robinson in the stomach
Ok, I have not explained my point well enough. The referee should not come out with the attitude of "I saw what he did before, so I am ready to send him off." However, he needs to be aware of who the players are that are more likely to be fouled (skilled) and more likely to foul (thugs) so he can be well positioned to make the big call. He may also be able to prevent bad things from happening by managing the players, talking to them, letting them know he is close, etc. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Yes even now in Greece, older folks remember the match & remember his cheating. They are embarrassed. He never refereed after that. Greek FA sacked him.
Yorkshire Evening Post writer. And JLA I totally disagree. Every player should have a clean slate at the start of every game and reputations should not influence decisions!
Sorry Jonny, but I still disagree. I accept your point re. managing situations onfield from a preventive point of view, but there is no requirement to 'bone up' on the players to actually execute this. Very often the players most likely to be fouled are the same players that are dishing it out - usually midfielder on midfielder.
I don't know who you are disagreeing with but it is not me. Contrary to what some may believe, one of the referee's highest priorities is to try to end the game with 22 players on the pitch. Not doing your homework on the teams and players severely handicaps your chances of doing so.
It is you haha. How does knowing that Brown is partial to a big tackle for example, help your chances of keeping 22 players on the pitch?
Logi, I don't think you read my other posts above. My approach as the center referee would be to try to stay as close to MB as possible and speak to him every now and again, encouraging him to keep it clean. While he may not listen, he would know I am around all the time and would be more likely to keep himself under control. I have done it on the field before, albeit not at this level. Of course, nothing is guaranteed.
