Interesting article in the Times today on the decline in refereeing quality in England:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/...q?shareToken=13dcc6b55c6f9b539bb03c43de0fd071
Wenger sums it up quite well:
It's been very obvious this season that a lot of refereeing is not up to standard, but there is very much a culture of arrogance from referees where this is not addressed.
There is concern within the game regarding the standard of refereeing. I like to think I put a balanced view forward on the matter, and as such I would make the following observations.
More work than ever is done at grassroots level to help new and aspiring referees to progress. They are mentored and assessed as much as possible, but sadly there are not enough mentors and assessors available, so we have to be selective in how often new referees are observed. We aim to get them to level 5 as soon as possible, where they become senior county referees. Their next stop is level 4 where they come under the jurisdiction of the pyramid system.
Most referees are not unapproachable or arrogant, but the few that are make it difficult for others, and referees do have to be careful not to be seen over friendly with players. Who can forget Graham Poll knocking the ball around with Charlton players while waiting for the opposition to come out for the second half.
The fact that Cech got so angry should alarm people, he is one of the most placid of players who rarely remonstrated with officials.
I would agree that a lot needs to be done to improve refereeing standards, but players and managers can help by:
Cutting out the simulation.
Not get into the referees face every time a decision goes against their team.
Don't always remonstrate with the fourth official.
Referees for their part need to:
Be more consistent.
Referee more games, twenty or so a season in the PL or EFL is not enough, they should be made to referee grassroots football. All games are of equal importance to the participants.
While not being over friendly with players, be firm but approachable.
A lot of these things have been mentioned at seminars, but for things to improve we first must find a way of referees and players not being so remote and cautious to each other.
The FA have a big part to play in this, but sadly in my opinion they are not doing enough. Charging a manager or player every time he criticises the referee is not constructive. The FA need to be proactive and get referees and managers together on a regular basis.
Not for one second do I think I have all the answers to the current problems, but I think co-ordinated work on the points I have raised would be a start.