Standard Of Refereeing

[Shed Boy]

Is the standard of Scottish refereeing dropping. Let's be fair and say that being a ref is not the easiest job in the world but so often these days the referees are making the most basic mistakes.

Take for example Motherwell Versus Dundee United at Fir Park this weekend. The full time whistle is approaching with Motherwell set to walk away with three points from a well deserved 2-1 victory, when the ball is played into the box to Clarkson who scores with a header, but during heading the ball he is fouled by Mark Wilson.

If Clarkson did not score then there was no doubt that it was a penalty, this is not the matter at dispute.

What happened next is where the wonder lies. Young Mark Wilson was yellow carded for his troubles, but then a scramble broke out, Wilson not involved was then approached by the referee and got a second booking meaning he was sent off. The United players protested as Wilson left the field of play, during the protesting a further 2 players were booked, when the 4th official signalled the ref across.

The ref then realised his blunder and allowed Wilson back on the park, thus taking back the red card he had just issued. However the two players booked while protesting the players innocence did not have their yellow cards retracted.

This stinks as it shows that referees are untouchable and you are not allowed to question their decision even when you know 100% that they are wrong.

So, what are your opinions of the refs in the Scottish game nowadays?

[Celticrugby]

I thought the ref made some mistakes in the OF match yesterday, but no one is perfect. Its the missed blatant stuff that irks me.

[Ross]

They're OK not as good as any other referees but oh well, And Yes sometimes they do make blatant mistakes but what can be done about it?

[Celticrugby]

Originally Posted by RossG

They're OK not as good as any other referees but oh well, And Yes sometimes they do make blatant mistakes but what can be done about it?

Instant replay, but I don't want that in soccer.

[Shed Boy]

I reckon all ref's and their officials should be radio linked to each other during a game, including the 4th official.

Another way would be if a referees decisions could be questioned in an official and professional way to the SFA who would then have to look at the incident, instead of referees being untouchable as this is what they are today.

[Weebully]

I think refereeing in Scotland is the worst around, not just the SPL but in the first division too. Compared to elsewhere the standard is poor and getting worse. Maybe we need to import them, or go full time to attract better candidates, I mean who would want to be a ref?

[BroxiBear]

Yeah Scottish refereeing is crap these days, John Underhill explains it all...I'm sure he's scottish