To
Kranti Editor.
Sir
Please publish this article in your blog. I am a regular reader of your blog. Keep up the good work.
This is in response to Julio Cardozo's post about refereeing. I have a few points to make in this regard. Julio writes that referees are humans and that they are prone to make mistakes. I completely agree on this aspect. But the fact of the matter is that Julio should also understand that when we are talking about big league games there is a lot at stake. There is no drawing parallel between Soor soccer and professional league at the highest level. Please keep in mind that my article is only focusing on major soccer leagues.
For example, assuming Chelsea and Manchester City play one another the pressure on players is so enormous that sometimes it gets the better of them. Referees sometimes commit howlers as the whole world witnessed in the Champions League between Manchester United V/s Real Madrid.
Turkish referee committed a blunder that changed the whole complexion of the game. You may remember that Manchester United were in driving seat and in full flight until Nani was red carded for a high challenge. That foul deserved yellow at best. In a situation like this, what you expect the players to do? Kick the ground?
In the subsequent melee, the referee was surrounded by referee and the players began arguing and that is fine. The referee should also realize that he made mistake and the referee no doubt has a reverse gears on decisions but at least he is cautious knowing the fact that he is under the scanner. Imagine if the referee is not questioned he is under the impression that everything is cruising well, so it is important that the player hold up the mirror to him. In short, it keeps him on his toes.
For example, in premier league, a player can lose his berth temporarily for committing a mistake. Drawing parallel between soccer and other games, Julio should remember that soccer is played at ferocious tempo, end-to-end action, as opposed to slower pace of the other games.
When you play at high tempo, the adrenalin is pumping and the stress begins pick up steam. It has been scientifically proven that professional soccer players are more aggressive because the way the game is being played. Moreover, professional teams are under great pressure to deliver from their sponsors and as a result the pressure gets to the players.
Manchester City were at the receiving end last week as the referee failed to point to the dreaded spot after Everton player handled the ball. This again was a game changer. Manchester City players circled the referee and quite rightly so. Here they were being robbed of a goal and if emotions don’t run high---what will?
Subsequently, Everton’s tail was up after that and they fired on all cylinders and went on to win the match. On many occasions, referees have ruined matches due to bad decisions. So what does Julio has to say about situations like these? The referee always goes scot free but the players come under fire. Referees also never apologize for their mistakes. So as you can see referees always get away with their sloppiness and incompetence. In order to avoid this, we need to bring in technology into play. Just like the third umpire in cricket. Believe me it will change the landscape of football in a positive manner. Hope better sense prevails.
Seby Mascarenhas.
