In the days when my refereeing journeys meant getting home a little later on Saturday evenings, my sons were strictly forbidden to even hint of the results of any games played that day, in case it might spoil my enjoyment …
After officiating at an academy game at Reading’s training ground recently, I was having a cup of tea in the player’s canteen, when my eye was taken by a glossy magazine that I hadn’t seen before. Little wonder perhaps as …
Life after football for the professional footballer Read more »
Royals fans who watched Reading’s hard earned draw against Liverpool at the Madejeski Stadium and those who watched it later on Match of the Day, will no doubt remember an unusual incident with referee Mark Clattenburg. In the second half, …
Must yellow cards be shown for cautions to stick? Read more »
Just over a fortnight ago, I was asked what had happened to goal line technology. After the fuss made about it when the International FA Board agreed that it could be used after FIFA withdrew its previous opposition, everything my …
A few weeks ago I wrote about the dismay some referees felt at some of the decisions being made by the FA Review Panels. I mentioned in particular the reprieve of Carlton Cole when his high lunge only just missed …
The horror tackle of Wigan’s Callum McManaman on Newcastle’s French defender Massadio Haidara has been the latest in a series of high profile incidents recently. What has caused even more controversy than the tackle itself, was the refusal of the …
Many football mangers seem happy to admit that they are not clear on the offside law. Harry Rednapp said on television a little while ago, ‘I don’t understand the offside law anymore’. Reading’s recently departed manager Brian McDermot, said much …
The biggest talking point last week was without doubt the sending off of Nani of Manchester United in their Champions League match at Old Trafford, when they lost against Real Madrid knocking them out of the tournament. Many felt that …
John Motson once said to me that there was certain similarity between referees and television sports commentators. We both, he said, have to make instant decisions, which afterwards we sometimes regret. Referees of course, have to make their decisions about …
This year, as many readers may be aware, marks a significant anniversary in the world of football and in particular the Laws of the Game. It was 150 years ago that the Football Association was formed at a meeting in …
