So says Mark Halsey http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24105438 What do you think of this opinion? I've got to admit I think if there really is this much pressure there is only one party to blame - the FA. I've had the opinion for a few years that the approach of the FA to say that refs decisions cannot be questioned and to punish managers who get frustrated with poor refereeing has left a perception that refs are being treated by the FA as infallible but this is clearly not the case. In order to relieve the pressure on refs I think a change of approach to the public by the FA is required. A more honest approach to say that refs are human and make mistakes. That they are trying to do their best and make the game be played according to the rules, as it should be and to drop the attitude that they are never questioned. I know its annoyed me for years and I know I'm not alone in that opinion. There are a few things that could be done to help refs as well, like using video technology in a similar way to rugby. I also have an idea that they should get fans to vote on refs performances and use it to form a table with promotion and relegation like clubs do. The reason I think this would work is good refs would get high scores from both sets of fans but bad refs would get a low score from one set bringing the average down and getting them a low score. For example Howard Webb would get 10 from Man U fans and 0 from their opponents giving 5 as an average, a low score. What do you think of Halseys comments and what would you do to help relieve the pressure on refs?
Not sure what else they were supposed to do to support Halsey, it sounds like he was contacted several times to give him their support and if he was having any problems he could have brought it up to them then. He's just trying to flog his book by coming out with loads of contraversial stuff. Personally I hope the FA and PL are taking the revelations that he took free tickets for a United game and was friends with Fergie far more seriously as these kind of things seriously undermine the integrity of the officials. If Halsey had told the PL that he needed help for depression or stress and didn't get anything then that's a different matter but how far are the PL supposed to go to help someone if they don't ask for help?
He also now has a role with a BT Sport, and all he seems to do there is support the ref, even if the wrong call was made, Utterly pointless.
the sunderland vs arsenal is a prime example of thousands of fans taking their own lives after that refs display
Referees aren't as bad as people make out, but they need to be better. Too many of them have never played the game at a decent standard and really don't have a feel for it. But a huge proportion of fans, pundits and maybe even a few managers , have never read the laws of the game and haven't a clue what they are talking about.
As someone mentioned earlier, refs are only human (just about) and will make mistakes. Players don't help by their constant cheating - how many times do you see players call for a throw to go their way, when it has clearly come off them. While there is intent to deceive at every point, refs can never get close to 100%. One of the greatest/respected refs of all time, Pierluigi Collina (the hills have eyes) talked about his experiences. He would, with his co-officials, spend hours talking through the teams/players that were due out on the pitch, where & how they were likely to make their runs, who (from videos of previous games) pulled shirts / held players / dived / etc. etc., so that they were fully prepared for a game. He would research the teams like an opposition manager. Additionally, he stated publically that while he would undoubtedly make mistakes in some of his decisions, he "hoped" that he would get the big ones right. Although there was some controversy over a decision in his last game, he was probably one of the most respected refs. Add to that, players rarely argued with him (probably because they were scared sh1tless), I think that they should be allowed to admit errors.
I wonder how many refs do their homework like this... or have the understanding of the game, to be able to do it.
Take the pressure off refs during games by preventing a lot of the crap that they get from players and maybe they'll do a better job? I've yet to see a reason why we can't adopt a more respectful set of rules for interaction between the match officials and club employees. Players don't need to be shouting, squaring up to and swearing at the ref and linesmen and the coaches don't need to give the 4th official a constant earful, either. Draw some new lines, make a public statement and punish those that step out of line. Go the rugby route. Also introduce that spraypaint thingy for free-kicks. Not really on-topic, but it's annoying me.
More respect for the Ref would help. As would video technology, and possibly Refs doing an interview after the game too. At the moment it's pointless - the manager can't comment and the Ref doesn't get challenged.
