With respect to OFFINABUS, I firmly believe that elite referees act in unison with their extreme leniency because they're all following equivalent instructions from their employers
If a lone wolf deviates from the crowd, they will stand out and be dropped from the pack
These referees won't want to tolerate frothing expletives from superstars at arms length, but they don't want to lose their jobs more
We then lambaste the likes of AT (and his team) for taking it from Ashley Barnes, but AT will continue to be appointed to top games for doing so
my stomach still churns at that incident. If am observing grass roots on Saturday and a player does a Barnes to my referee, I expect that player to be dismissed. Great if they do. If they however don't, and we open up the discussion, when they ask "why did Taylor not send off Barnes", the only thing I can really say is, because its ok to shout f off, f off, f you and swing your arms at a match official at the top level. And, that does not sit comfy with me
Of course, we side step it, we use a smoke screen, we say, well, that's a different level, he is managing things, we need to concentrate on your game today, but, my new ref has a point, and I am then nearly as guilty as Taylor, and so the cycle continues
I am open to others thoughts. But if the powers really care for the game, then, nevermind "dropping" the Liverpool West Ham lino for an offside error, Taylors actions, or lack of, bring the entire referee movement into disrepute. And, to be in that position of power (Spiderman!) and abuse it, is sickening. With great power comes responsibility. (Spiderman!) Some folk, either in the offices, or on the park, abused theirs that day.