Referees

By Unnamed Sauce26/1 10:03Mon Jan 26 10:03:12 2026

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Warning: Contentious content (Or not, any more ?)

Over the years, I've taken a hell of a lot of stick on here for suggesting that ideally, local officials should not cover local games near their home. ( Or their heart). Having done this myself back in the 19th Century (seems like about then!) at a Junior level, I can confirm that it sometimes puts unnecessary pressure on those in charge. At our level I appreciate that it saves travel expenses, so that's fair enough. I did get talking to one referee's family this season-he'd come from Tamworth-we all had a good laugh about that- but it's far away enough. (He had a decent game as it happens!).

So this was an interesting read from a Red Top today regarding the ref in charge of the Arsenal v Man Utd game yesterday. He comes from Sheffield, so can never ref a Blades or a Wednesday game. Here's why:

" From the 2024/25 season, the PGMOL increased transparency regarding declared allegiances following complaints about potential conflicts of interest. These rules apply to the main referee, assistant referees and VARs. The referees' declaration includes any allegiances held by immediate family members, particularly those living in the same household."

I got into trouble for querying a referee of one of our games, decades ago. I knew of him from local football. Dressing room talk. ( I knew quite a few local Non League players in those days. Word gets around).

I'd heard him myself, slagging off the Boro' away from football stadia. (He liked a beer or five). So it was odd to see him running our games just because he lived nearby. He wasn't the brightest button in the sewing box tbh so his inconsistency was legend.

FTR I think our officials this season (and last) have been mostly ok. It's always a thankless task, so I appreciate that it's difficult. I once walked off the pitch during a game, holding the whistle up in the air, to address a couple of gobby parents on the touchline They had been giving me abuse throughout a cup match at Junior level. I asked them if they'd like to take over. They declined. ( And shut up). The game continued and finished amicably. But I probably should not have done that.

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