I READ with interest and sympathy the comments made by York City boss Billy McEwan over refereeing standards. The problem is not a new one but there are clear enough guidelines as I hope the following example illustrates.
A number of years ago I attended a match between Ipswich Town and West Bromwich Albion. With the game into its last moments and level, Ipswich were awarded a penalty from which they eventually scored to win the game and the West Brom player who had conceded the penalty for a late challenge was booked.
All fairly straightforward, but due to the antics of various players, it wasn't and now this referee really showed his mettle.
First, the West Brom player who contested his booking was sent off for arguing. Secondly, his captain was first booked and then sent off for arguing as well and, thirdly, the Ipswich forward, who had refused to get up after a clumsy, rather than vicious challenge, was booked and then, after leaping to his feet to contest the caution, was sent off for play-acting.
Spot-on refereeing in every sense, since the current bosses of these two clubs have also voiced concerns this season over refereeing.
Perhaps they could join Billy and form a search party to find out if this particular official is still alive or maybe be given some referees to find him.
Mr C Corbett,
Bull Lane,
Lawrence Street,
York.
Updated: 09:53 Saturday, April 01, 2006
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