Don't mess with the ref !

What do we expect from referees?

Quite simply, we expect referees to get things right - and we worry less about a throw-in or time-wasting, but they can't get the big decisions wrong and not expect criticism.

Geezer watched the New York Red Bulls draw 2-2 in the playoffs with the Houston Dynamo on Sunday. New York bossed the first half and went in 2-0 up. Then Ricardo Salazar sent off Jamison Olave for a slightly reckless tackle near the halfway line. It was a judgment call, but seemed harsh on Olave. What bugged me more was that Salazar had the red card in his hand less than a second after he blew for the foul. Take your time, have a think if that tackle was really dangerous play. It wasn't, it was a yellow, but by no means worthy of a red.

Now some people will say that it was a red, and that's the beauty of soccer. There are human errors and debates rage for days, weeks and years over decisions.

But then Salazar didn't give Houston a penalty in the last minute (just after they equalized), probably because he didn't want to give another decision against New York. It was a foul, and should have been a penalty, but every football fan has seen officials try and even things up when they know they have got a decision wrong earlier in the game.

Salazar is by no means alone. We see poor decisions all the time, bad calls, missed calls and things that make no sense to anyone but the referee.

We don't need or want technology taking over. All the excitement and momentum that used to be in other sports is dwindling due to delays in refereeing/umpiring decisions.

Let's just give the officials we have better training and more respect and in exchange for some consistency and common sense.

Wear the referee as a hat? Or just wants the ball back?

Can't really tell whats going on here, but I hope the goalkeeper is just urging the referee to blow the whistle.

Otherwise he's trying to jam his head up his ass in the hope he plays a few more minutes of injury time. Maybe he's hoping to wear the referee as a hat as part of his celebration!

Not sure if it's a Friday funny, or a weird weekender!

It never gets old watching referees try and play the game

All referees are accused of taking up their craft because they were the last one to get picked in the playground. They loved the game, but knew that they just weren't good enough to play.

Don't forget that we wouldn't have a game without them, but always remember, they couldn't get a game without people who could actually kick a ball !

Ever think Keith Andrews and Syria would be in the same sentence?

Are referees fighting back after recent abuse?

This shouldn't really count because it's Keith Andrews, and how he ever became a professional, let alone an international is beyond the Geezer.

I was hoping he just fell down at the feet of Xavi to show his respect, but it looks like he grabs his hamstring once he hits the floor.

He's probably hoping for a card, but should take one himself. Or asked to be subbed.

Maybe it's because the ref looks like the President of Syria that Andrews went down so easily - but this is a football blog, so political references are out.

Not to accuse referees, but this needs to stop

Aston Villa are denied a penalty when Vertonghen dragged Helenius down by his shorts, then Real Madrid are awarded a spot kick in the 97th minute when it looks like Elche may hold them to a 1-1 draw.

Two decisions that changed football matches, points, participation in cups and ultimately, money and success.

Spurs probably would have beaten Villa anyway, but Real Madrid couldn't beat newly promoted Elche, who had been out of the top flight for 24 years.

It was no surprise that Pepe 'won' the penalty, as he's used to getting his own way, or kicking out until he does. Losing to him would have been a loss of face, so it was either a red card, or cheating to win.

But there are plenty of players that cheat (Ashley Young is back in the spotlight), but we need stronger referees.

Just because Manchester United, Real Madrid etc. are expected to beat the smaller teams, referees can't have different sets of rules for different teams/players.

We deserve consistency, honesty and professionalism. There is more than money and success on the line. There is integrity. There is no doubt that Real Madrid win is tainted. And while they will still finish in the top 2, Elche could get relegated by a point and have to wait another 24 years to play in La Liga.

Let's pay the referees more, make them (and the cheats) more accountable, and make it an even playing field.

Looked like a foul to me

Imagine getting booked for this

You may as well smash someone and get a card that's worthwhile

Don't mess with the officials this weekend

The beautiful game is slowly coming back to our pitches, screens and bars this weekend.

Enjoy it, soak it all in. And don't question the officiating - at least not to this guy's face!

Images

You're not helping yourself ref

The best referees are the ones you don't notice, not like this one