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This is a first for me. I did a game yesterday where a load of teenagers came into the ground at the beginning of the second half and were loudly abusing everyone. As far as I could tell they weren't affiliated with either team. Some of the players complained to me, including saying that the...

I think that was my comment at the time!

I generally agree, and have blown before a GK or even an IFK before. The only real issue I've ever faced is a GK who complained quite loudly that I'd waited for them to go and get the ball for 'nothing'! The logic that nothing changed if I waited until it was kicked to blow didn't come into it.

I'm with you on this - except I would probably point out if it was indirect (rather than the opposite) because that's a pretty unusual situation. Again, it comes down to managing the risk/expectations, and if the keeper tries to save an IFK and it goes in, I'm in the clear if I warned them. If...

When I took my first refereeing exams in 1998, this was one of the questions. Like you, I couldn't see the right answer from the multiple choice questions, but the nice old chap who was leading it looked over my shoulder and said 'well you can't give a goal', which was the clue I needed...!

One of the most challenging things I've found is second guessing myself. I tell myself now that if I'm in a decent position and have made a decision, then that's the right one. What is for sure is that nobody else there is likely to be more right about most decisions than you - everyone else...

It's rather like expecting cars to stop at a zebra crossing. As a pedestrian you're certainly within your rights to step out whenever you please and it's not your fault if you get flattened by a bus. However, it's a situation that's perfectly avoidable if you take a slightly more cautious...

Absolutely agree. The other key thing that a play clock doesn't solve is the breaking up of momentum. Running down the clock is one thing, allowing time for your team to get a breather, get back in shape or just quiet the crowd (or ramp them up) are all valuable tactics and are probably made...

I don't think this is bonkers though - I know what you're saying but I think it can be broadly understood that this only applies where there is a 4th official. Even so, the principle is clearly that if the referee indicates a certain amount of time will be added, that's the point at which...

Or even the defender slamming it home (after realising the enormity of what they've done) before you've had time to raise the whistle.

It's not that - it's that it is literally almost impossible to write regulations, laws or policies that both allow for interpretation (ie. they have to apply to a range of real-life situations) and are clear, concise and entirely understandable by everyone. Even our actual laws have to be...

I used to be like this too, but when you referee/assist at higher levels you do have to referee in accordance with the expectations of the players, managers, coaches and other officials. The simple fact is that there is a higher bar for FK near the penalty area, and penalties, because that's...

It is one of the trickier things to deal with I think - but we can (and often do) deal with this kind of thing through words and actions as well as sanctions, of course. Whether others agree with how we've handled it is another matter of course, but that's pretty much the case for every single...

My stock answer on this forum - I've always worn glasses, never been able to wear contacts partly due to other medical conditions. We're meant to be inclusive these days and all kinds of people have challenges that are more or less noticable. Besides, I've never had any serious stick for it...

Spot on - it's the constancy that causes a distraction - and also lets the players know they've got into your head. I struggle to take that extra step, feeling I need to be justified to do so. A clear warning that this is what's happening, you've recognised it and you will take action on it...

Completely agree. Just like when the commentators/pundits say a player 'couldn't do anything else there' - what they invariably mean is they couldn't compete for the ball without being careless, reckless or using excessive force. The answer is always not to make the challenge in the first place.

Those kinds of stats are so misleading IMO. Every game is different, the number of touches in the box changes, the tactics used (by LFC and the opposition), etc. etc. In short, there are so many variables that singling one (the referee) out, doesn't really tell anything. Any suggestion that...

😁 This is easily my favourite post out of all the things you've written on here!

From the description that is just plain wrong by the observer. There is no offside offence here in law, and you shouldn't raise the flag unless the chasing player is getting close to the keeper (and, arguably, even only then if that was covered in the pre-match).

Yes, I was adding to say exactly this. I've been an assistant on countless games over the years and I've never entered the pitch to speak with the referee during the game except when approached after a mass con.