Watched Inside Sport on BBC1 tonight and it was all about Graham Poll. Was quite interesting to get an insight into what he went through after the famous three yellow cards. And even though he carried on for another season afterwards, it did mess up his refereeing days. And now he's packed it all in. He went on to say that he probably would be carrying on if it hadn't been for that ridiculous mistake in the world cup.
So referees are paid and have a duty, to get things right. Especially these days where a lot of money, and always more importantly, justice for the game rides on it. And if they make a mistake it's magnified and results in a lot of abuse. I know I've verbally abused referees in the past! I'm sure we all have
As some of you probablly have, I've played school football and Sunday league. And when I think back to how the referees were fairly unprotected and really have to put up with some meaty abuse, it makes me wonder how they can carry on and make it to the top level? Especially these days as the game is evolving.
Is it a fame driven thing? Is it money - how much do they earn these days? Is it power? Or most importantly, is it love for the game? The way things are going, is the future of refereeing less appealing to people?
I know I couldn't be a referee. But obviously, referees are vital to the game....
« Last Edit: Jul 25, 2007 12:28:54 am by redkenny »
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