Quote Originally Posted by Swissclaret View Post
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Refs have become celebrities in their own right now. Years ago I didn’t know the names of any referees. They turned up, did their job, got abuse from the fans and disappeared. That is how it should be.
Sorry Swiss, however, I disagree with that sentiment. I have always known referees' names and in many cases to which County FA they belonged. Officials are a very initegral part of any game and shoulf be working as a team to be part of the enjoyment of any game.
They do not look for celebrity, they look to do a good job, one which has been made increasingly difficult at the top level because of the directives they receive from those running the show -------the PL in particular.
Lastly, they should not receive abuse from anybody for trying to do their job. PLayers make mistakes, managers and coaches make mistakes and officials make mistakes, 'twas ever the case and only the use of VAR has resulted in major changes and silly discussions.
All very sad and not for the good of the game.