A refereeing colleague said to me recently, ‘what are these extra officials who stand on the goal line supposed to do? He had been watching Champions League matches and was referring to the two Additional Assistant Referees as they are …
The Chronicle’s report of the withdrawal of referees from the Thames Valley Premier League last week, has certainly received some publicity in refereeing circles around the world. It arose of course over the standard of behaviour at some clubs and …
In the absence of Ady Williams, former international footballer and captain of Reading FC, who was instead reporting for BBC Berkshire Radio on Maidenhead’s well earned FA Cup replay with Port Vale, Reading RA are thankful for Dick Sawdon Smith …
In the absence of Ady Williams, former international footballer and captain of Reading FC, who was required by BBC Berkshire Radio to commentate on Maidenhead’s well earned FA Cup replay with Port Vale, Reading RA is grateful to Dick Sawdon …
Recently I wrote how a tackle became a foul, but the question has arisen, when does a foul tackle become a cautionable offence. Quite obviously whenever the referee whistles for a foul, he doesn’t automatically reach in his pocket for …
In view of the publicity gained by the Rugby World Cup held in England this year and the views expressed by several commentators about the difference in attitude to the referee between rugby players and footballers, it was singularly appropriate …
The Goalkeeper in his own penalty area realises that a deliberate kick back to him from one of his defenders is a little wayward and likely to go into the goal, so he dives and denies an obvious goal by …
In the Norwich City v Crystal Palace match, Simon Hooper in his first game after being promoted to the Premier League, disallowed a goal by Cameron Jerome, scored by what many thought was a brilliant overhead, scissors kick. No opponent …
At the Reading v Huddersfield game last week there was a mystery stoppage that bewildered players and spectators alike. Late in the second half, Reading were in possession just outside the Huddersfield penalty area when the referee blew his whistle …
A fan of this column in Australia emailed me after my article on retrospective punishment. ‘Isn’t it true,’ he wrote, ‘that football is lagging behind in the use of technology? In cricket they can detect the slightest touch of the …
