RateTheRef

I was on my way home from my game and heard the FiveLive commentary of the sending-off. Michael Brown was the summariser and poured scorn on the officials for “not understanding the game”. All I can remember of Brown’s mediocre career is an appalling challenge in a League Cup semi-final against Liverpool at Bramall Lane when he deserved red undoubtedly but wasn’t sent off. Colin no doubt complemented him for it.

I later watched the incident on television and it is blatantly a red card. Intent, understanding the game, Colin would have loved it all don’t matter despite Brown’s protestations. Is it any wonder the officials’ job at all levels is so difficult when Application of Law is constantly undermined by co-commentators like Brown, Mills, Murphy et al?

I was waiting for Brown to mention that none of the players or ex-players have ever blown a whistle in their lives so don’t understand refereeing. I’ll come back to you on that when he does.