The Referee's a Wanker

Dear Mr Hackett

I am writing to you with regard to the refereeing display by Mr Clattenburg on Saturday 20th October 2007.

Whilst I can accept that in a modern, fast-flowing, passionate game of football a referee can make an honest mistake, what I cannot accept is to see such a one-sided inconsistent and blatantly poor performance from a professional referee.

I have watched a number of the incidents back again on several occasions and would appreciate a response to the following questions:

1. Was the initial contact made by Tony Hibbert for the incident that led to a penalty kick for a foul on Steven Gerrard outside the penalty box?

2. Why did Mr Clattenburg produce a yellow card for Mr Hibbert only to then change it to a red card after Mr Gerrard spoke to him?

3. Why was Dirk Kuyt not sent from the field of play for violent conduct for a two footed off the ground lunge at Phil Neville?

4. Why was Jamie Carragher not penalised with the award of a penalty kick to Everton after his foul on Joleon Lescott in the last minute of the game?

Incidents like all of those described above only serve to bring into question the reputation of referees. There is already serious concern about the so-called "Big Four" Premier League Clubs receiving favourable treatment from Pgmol employees, and all of the above happening in the space of 45 minutes only serve to add to those concerns.

Whilst I am not expecting the courtesy of a response to this email, I would remind you that the wages of Pgmol are effectively paid for by ordinary people like myself who pay week-after-week to attend football matches. Displays like Mr Clattenburg's on Saturday will only serve to destroy the game of football and hasten the departure of fans who quite frankly are disgusted by such performances.

Yours in disgust.

Chris Leyland

His response is posted below. To be fair to him, he has at least tried to answer the questions I asked him.

Chris,

Many thanks for your email. I am still awaiting receipt of the Assessors Report, Match Delegate report and ProZone.

These are the three ways in which the performance of the match official is analysed.

The Match Assessor is a former top class referee

The Match Delegate is appointed by the Premier League independent of the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd. ProZone looks in detail at every decision. I have attached details of the ProZone system for you to look at.

Now to your points which I am answering on one view through MOD [Match of the Day]

1. Need to have another look
2. Mr Clattenburg had not alternative other than to dismiss the player for a clear act of the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The criteria for a red card clearly fulfilled.

   Some referees keep a record of the sanctions they have applied on their yellow card. This is poor practice and I am frankly going to issue a new directive where they will adopt the use of a book to record the names and then having ascertained the players name they will then show the card. I can assure you that Mr Gerrard had NO INFLUENCE ON THE RED CARD.

3. I agree a two footed challenge is reckless endangering the safety of an opponent. This challenge also used excessive force therefore a red card should have been issued.
4. I will have another look at the Penalty incidents when I receive the prozone disk to look at proximity to play, viewing angles etc.

Chris I fully understand your disappointment which I share. Please be assured that accountability for inadequate performances results in lost appointments and therefore this effects what the official earns

Thanks for your email.

Regards,

Keith Hackett
General Manager
PGMOL

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