Here Come the Men in Black

You Don't Know What You're Doing! - A popular cry from the terraces up and down the Leagues, but the question must be asked " Who Does?"

It is a great shame that the most popular spectator sport in the world has so many 'grey' areas, in which nobody, from spectators to officials, seem clear on the rules of the game. It is incredulous.

Here is a quick look at the mixed up decisions that drive fans to distraction and give referees a hard time week in, week out.


1)How long does the game last? A popular one in light of David Moyes' FA fine this week - At the end of 90 minutes an announcement declares ' the referee has indicated there will be a minimum of 'x' minutes added time'. However this is not always the case and only the referee knows why and when he concludes the end to the game.

2) Obstruction Does this Law still apply? Defenders week in, week out, will stop an attacker getting to a ball that they are not in control of,often using arms and pushing until it crosses the 'dead ball' line.

3) Opponents retreating 10 yards from a free kick Why are players not always booked for impeding the quick taking of a free kick?

4) Pushing and Pulling - Defenders are continually allowed to hold attackers in the penalty area when defending set pieces, even following the recent practice of referees in delaying play whilst they warn them that they are watching what is happening, and then continue to allow it to happen unpunished?

These are a few instances that frustrate the spectator and the inconsistency of the officials in their interpretation of the rules e.g. deliberate handball; the denying of a goal scoring opportunity;two footed challenges;abuse of officials and not to mention the offside rule with all its phases.

Surely it is time that all these things are made clear and we can all follow the game without being lectured to by ill informed commentators and pundits as to their limited knowledge of the sport they are paid handsomely to talk about.