RateTheRef

Why have the Premier League allowed their rules and playing regulations to be changed to accommodate one particular religious group?
This is not intended to be racist or in any way anti-religion, let’s make that clear before the thought police start getting involved. I believe in inclusion. However, if a player’s religion means that they may not be fit to play according to normal regulations, they should not be picked. Interestingly, why do Muslims play for clubs with strong gambling connections?
Religion is very personal, a sincerely held belief which helps to shape people’s lives, give them structure, a purpose, a reason for living. I respect and understand this. However, there are many religions, and no-one can say which (if any) are right. Therefore, it is essential that one person’s religion should not be allowed to dictate what others can do or impact on them provided they are going about lawful business. I will always support one’s right to practice their religion without fear of persecution and I abhor discrimination, but religion should be practiced at home, churches or whatever, and in how they conduct themselves but with the proviso previously stated.
Christians have long lost the right to argue that Sunday is a special day and indeed are in certain jobs where they are not allowed to wear open crucifixes in case they might offend people – i.e. non-Christians. Muslim beliefs allow women’s rights to be subordinated below that of men, prevents schoolgirls from competing in sports. In extremism, you get Taliban beliefs. It cannot be right that peaceful Jews most of whom dislike what Israel is doing should feel isolated and afraid in this country. That is not a society I want or believe in. As for Sharia Law? No way. One law for everyone.
The Premier League got this badly wrong. It was illogical, irrational driven by a desire to accommodate what group of individuals. A fear of being accused of discrimination.

As I write, our armed services are risking their lives to protect our interests, our society, our freedoms. Made up almost entirely of white or black serviceman, who are expected to protect others, their freedoms, their right to protest but without the commitment that our brave servicemen and women have made.

The English Premier League was wrong to make allowances for one faith. A dangerous precedent.

Moderators. (Edited)

this sort of stoppage has been going on for years, officially or otherwise, whether your realised it or not

i cannot see the issue with allowing the players to have a drink/take on energy gels at a natural stoppage in play, it hurts absolutely no one

Not quite JCFC esque...but I'll post a report from the game I was at Saturday.

I'll start by adding I was watching some good friends, so perhaps not quite an impartial view, but hey ho...I also had my 4 year old daughter for company which required several loo trips and a chip run which caused me to miss some action!

Emley 3-0 Bridlington

Jason Smith, Ben Brighton, Dan McKee

The game started very slowly, no foul until minute 7 but the second (12th minute) saw the first caution for a pull back on a break. Brid definitely started the better, but really only created one good chance from a corner. About midway through the first loo break came the first goal, for Emley, a header from a free kick apparently and I came back to Mr Smith and the Emley manager exchanging words after a caution for a home team player in front of the benches. Happily not much action was missed during the subsequent chip run leading up to half time!

Second half started well for Emley and they scored 2 goals in the first 15 mins (either side of Brid hitting the bar) which effectively ended the game as a contest, although there were a few more cuations, and two for the Emley right back (the second for dissent). An amusing exchange between the Brid manager and Mr Smith when, right in front of the dugout he got a throw in wrong - "you've not got much wrong today, but that was appalling" was the shout - a good reflection on his performance more than anything if the losing manager is saying that!

The game ended quite tamely although the Emley bench remained hard work despite the comfortable win. Mr Smith had a solid game, excellent movement around the pitch and good chat with the players and my daughter even enjoyed the game too, despite the chill once the sun had dipped.

As a learning point I definitely would have benefitted from taking notes! I've forgotten half if the interesting stuff!

the strangest thing in the game...

walker (right back) gets treatment for an injury then goes off for the mandatory 30 seconds. play remains in and around this area of the pitch, the ref waves him on at the same time as city play the ball to doku (left winger). walker enters the pitch, intercepts and breaks. ref stops play and restarts with a drop ball to city.

right in law? nope...right common sense outcome? yep...though poor initially to not see it coming

burnley weren't happy but city would have been fuming (rightly) if the break hd led to a goal.

If by chance you're off to Albion Sports tomorrow JCFC, see you there!

i always very much appreciate your contributions JCFC (esp as your posts often generate discussion on our whatsapp groups)

i'm intending to take in a local game on the 20th (potentially BPA to watch Mr Jason Smith) so will look to contribute accordingly

Quote from: ell on Wed 14 May 2025 15:02

if the flag had gone up then he wouldn't be needing major surgery...

In which case, you never play advantage in case someone gets injured?

the flag should go up in instances like this where the offside is obvious

agree with your summary - (lack of) added time in uefa games is a huge issue imo and allows teams to waste copious amounts of time without significant action.

the free kick you mention really annoyed me, was a really poor decision, one was couldnt have been better placed to make

Despite overnight rain, Brighouse Town seemed confident that there was no need for an inspection and informed Emily that the match was on. With no buses on the possible routes, JCFC checked on X and in pleasant sunshine set off on the mostly uphill breathless trudge. After 20 minutes a further check was made - an excuse for a moment's rest to recover. 15 minutes further walking had led to within 5 minutes of the ground, when a returning disappointed spectator gave the news that the referee had arrived and called the game off. The club tweeted that the darts was on in the clubhouse, not an attraction in this quarter, so the walking resumed, fortunately mostly downhill and home was reached after a total of an hour and three quarters.

Were Brighouse overconfident? Would a more old-school referee have allowed the match to be played? Possibly yes to both. Certainly JCFC feels that younger referees, particularly if they are ambitious, tend to be rather precious about conditions underfoot. The referee appointed was Matthew Langdon, seen twice previously. The first time,, when he was at label 4, he had not impressed either JCFC or President Hackett, though ultimately he was not to blame for the eventual abandonment of the game because of a spectator's misbehaviour. It was a surprise, then, when he was promoted at the end of the season. The second viewing was the following season and ha had a good game. Today was therefore the "best of three" decider. With no evidence and probably unfairly puts this on the debit side. Deservedly or not, Mr Langdon therefore joins the ranks of those avoided. That will bother him not a jot.

Meanwhile the much-admired Adam Watson was overseeing a match at nearby Lversedge. A slightly longer walk, but JCFC might have been tempted had the situation been known in time.

Not the best of starts to 2025, then, but Happy New Year to all. With atypical magnanimity, JCFC will even stretch that to include Mr Langdon.

just to say that i don't believe Mr Langdon did the inspection, was another local ref - he is a top ref from my experience who will succeed in impressing you in his 'deciding' third match, whenever that may be!