Big Sam: Refs may ‘hinder their careers’ if made to explain blunders
West Brom manager Sam Allardyce believes referees could hinder their careers if they were made to give post-match interviews.
Over the weekend, Lee Mason came under scrutiny after a woeful performance in the match between the Baggies and Brighton.
Numerous blunders from the officials in recent weeks has lead to the debate on them being microphoned or giving interviews to explain decisions more clearly.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Big Sam claimed this would be unfair on those officiating. He said: “They would get torn apart by people asking questions and trying to put them into difficult positions to give an answer which may hinder their career.
“I’m not for a referee coming out (and speaking). They would have to go through years of training to put themselves in that position.
“Without any (media training), referees’ inexperience with talking live to camera would be very difficult for them to handle.
“It would put far too much pressure on them.”
Time for change
Allardyce may be correct with his judgement, but something does have to give.
In an age with VAR and goalline technology, it’s frustrating to even be having these types of discussions anymore. We were afraid that VAR would take so much away from the game, the opportunity to discuss an offside goal or someone buying a foul, for example.
In truth, it’s highlighted the poor standard of refereeing in what is supposed to be regarded as the best league in the world.
It’s every week now that we find ourselves discussing a gaffe from the officials. Luckily, this week one has gone in our favour. Can you imagine if Brighton were to go down because of this? The backlash would be like nothing seen before.
The refs shouldn’t be buckling under pressure. For crying out loud, they’re officiating in front of 30,000-60,000 spectators in normal circumstances. If we’re not going to mic them up or have them speak post-match, then the standards simply have to improve. It’s making a mockery of the game we love.
We’ll be hoping for no blunders as we face Everton this evening. The Toffees are looking to move into the Champions League spaces, and have won their last two games. We are undefeated in three, though. The new signings have definitely made an impact on the squad, lets hope it continues.
In other West Brom news, left-back Kieran Gibbs is likely to miss out this evening due to a neck injury.