I make no apology for posting this............................

[Supersub6]

............................
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.

[Swissclaret]

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.

I take your point, super.

My point, not well expressed, is that there seems to be more debate about the referees, their decisions and post match analysis of them. Not helped by VAR. Why have Mike Dean on Sky?

You must be one of the few match goers who has never joined in a chorus of “you are not fit to referee” or “ the referee’s a b*stard”. All good abuse from the supporters.

[ballcock]

Hes a ----- man Hes a barstwerd hes a barstwerd referee 😳. The good old days

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Today's "performance" from the "referee" spoilt a good game of football.

I'm sure that is not their job.

[Supersub6]

Today's "performance" from the "referee" spoilt a good game of football.

I'm sure that is not their job.

DIdn't see today BT, I was at Ashington watching a good match with three superb officials. however. i have heard some poor reports about the ref today and totally agree with your sentiment. I heard that the penalty and second yellow card were beyond a joke!