My thoughts on this are very much just one opinion; subjective and pretty unscientific! So please, I hope you will read them in that spirit.

Referees have a tough job.

It’s one I wouldn’t do.

Games can’t go ahead without one. 

My personal opinion is that...

Refereeing standards have declined (same as the game itself has) over a period of time.

VAR has played a big part in that because...

It has taken decision making out of the refs hands, and most refs “bottle” it because they know the “cartoon virtual reality” people sitting in a van 300 miles away will make the decision for them by drawing lines and take the stick afterwards.

But…

I would go as far as to say that I witnessed one of the worst referees I’ve seen for a very long time on Saturday while watching the Super Saddlers. 

To say he lost the plot is a gross understatement.

Cheats Cheats Cheats.

Yes the game is full of cheats with players diving without being touched and clutching their face when going to ground, and staying down like they’ve been shot by a sniper from row z. 

Unfortunately, cheating has become a normal part of the game, it’s been accepted at the highest level.

It’s got so bad that on most occasions it’s applauded. 

You don’t see players dribbling past players these days.

The art of tackling has gone out the game.

The game is all tippy tappy shite going sideways or backwards with no tackling or contact allowed.

There's no such thing as battling for the ball.

The first player to hit the deck gets rewarded with a freekick.

And when a goal is scored, all teams gather by the corner flag for a 5 minute self-congratulated kissy huddle telling each other how nice their pink and yellow slippers look and how brilliant they are.

When you have all that to put up with, and you get a referee that has clearly lost the plot, it turns into an embarrassing joke.  

No bollocks.

Being a referee is tough job.

But it’s even tougher if you have no bollocks.

If a player blatantly dives, send him off.

If a player is waving his arms and screaming in your face, send him off.

Basically, if they think a player is taking the piss, send him off.

It’ll soon put a stop to some antics.

Everybody makes mistakes, including me and you.

That’s why I think they shouldn’t be immune to interviews after games, good or bad.

They would clear a lot of misunderstanding up, and at least the paying supporters won’t be left completely puzzled after games.

Plus, I reckon people would respect them a bit more if they did. 

Wouldn't you?

As far as ON the pitch is concerned, it’s the talentless over-paid namby pamby cheats that are spoiling the once great game.

On the pitch, it looks like it’s only the referees who can save it.

So all I ask, is for them to grow some bollocks, and actually take control of the game.

Because right now...

It's the tail wagging the dog.

Happy betting

Paul.