How to solve this reffing madness over Kompany and Johnson

By Mark Lawrenson

Published 08:59 14/01/12

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Referees have come a long way in football since the 1960s, 1970s and even the early 1980s.

Those were the days when referees would look on, see when things were really getting out of hand and then finally take action.

Back then players would control the game and that was tough, bruising and unforgiving. Anyone who, like me, ever marked Billy Whitehurst would know exactly what I’m talking about.

But it is hard to remember a season like this where the spotlight has been on referees so much. Red cards, decisions and controversies. We can guarantee there will be one this weekend.

The frustration is that there is so much inconsistency. There can be no getting away from it. This week has highlighted it. Vincent Kompany, for me the best centre half and one of the tacklers in the Premier League, gets sent off for a challenge by Chris Foy.

Most people agree that Glen Johnson’s tackle was worse and yet he didn’t get sent off just three days later by Lee Mason.

Two referees and two different decisions. That is why it is hard to take.

Here’s FIFA’s law on the issue: “Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs with excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play. A player who is guilty of serious foul play should be sent off.”

When you take that law apart, referees will say Kompany had to go. Players and managers will say it was harsh. Well, Sir Alex Ferguson, apart.

Manchester City fans were screaming blue murder after Johnson escaped. And I can understand that because they felt aggrieved after Kompany.

The problem is that the rules are not specific enough. Let’s introduce “studs up” into the equation. They are also not practical enough.

Let’s make them practical by a regular panel of ex-player, ex-manager and ex-referee sitting, discussing and deciding on guidance on key issues.

At the moment, referees appear to be refereeing to please the assessor in the stand rather than for the game.

It’s not always right to say that a red card spoiled the game. That’s not the referee’s job to preserve the spectacle. It’s his job to implement the laws.

Just look at what happened with Howard Webb in the World Cup final. Our top referee decides not to send off Nigel De Jong and the game descends into an even worse and tougher affair. And this is Spain against Holland.

How on earth can two referees see two such similar incidents like Johnson and Komapny so differently? It’s frightening.

Therefore, it’s clear they need help. Referee standards have dropped this season and yet it’s largely the same pool of referees.

You ask who is the best referee around and it’s hard to think who is up there at the moment, who has avoided controversy. And we shouldn’t be talking about referees as the main issue.

Michael Oliver looks an outstanding prospect. You can say so far so good. But the problem is, rather like with Howard Webb, when the spotlight goes on him does he change?

I would love to have a situation whereby referees do explain decisions after games. Not just to managers but to the media as well. It would promote greater understanding.

We all, including the FA and Premier League, think video technology would help on goal line decisions. There’s an argument on key penalty box incidents, too.

We should give referees as much help as possible. They are under the spotlight like never before.

Managers and players are highlighting it. Sometimes players don’t help if they’re diving but, again, the referee should be sure before giving a decision. One hundred per cent sure.

If a referee turns round and says: “I didn’t give it because I wasn’t 100 per cent sure” then what argument can you have? Rather that than introduce a level of guesswork. Managers are highlighting it because they feel wronged.

The strange thing is that it is generally the same pool of referees and same laws. So what has changed this season? The refereeing has definitely fallen away.

We need consistency, more openness and more specific rulings on tackles so the referees is left in no doubt.

Clearly, they feel under pressure, probably short of confidence and now is the time to be helping them with solutions otherwise the problem will only get worse.

Interview By John Cross

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