(courtesy of Wikipedia)
As referee Howard Webb (pictured above) beckoned over to Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in the fractious game at the Emirates yesterday, he called him “Steven” – because yes, that’s right, that’s his name.
But would he have shown the same familiarity to let’s say Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna if he was requesting his attention. “Bacary! Bacary!” I think not.
A simple note perhaps, but one that raises the issue of inconsistency in refereeing.
In March this year, when the FA were amidst yet another of their ineffective ‘Respect the Ref’ campaigns, Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole turned his back on referee Mike Riley as he called over to him “Ashley!” after a heavy challenge on Tottenham’s Alan Hutton.
I remember Mike Riley sounding so meak as he repeated his name, and then finally producing a yellow card which was widely viewed as lenient for a dangerous, studs-up tackle.
Calling out of surnames in army fashion – irrespective of a player’s nationality - could perhaps be a more authoritative and consistent way of communicating with players.
At least this way Mr Webb might show some consistency to one area of his refereeing.
But would he have shown the same familiarity to let’s say Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna if he was requesting his attention. “Bacary! Bacary!” I think not.
A simple note perhaps, but one that raises the issue of inconsistency in refereeing.
In March this year, when the FA were amidst yet another of their ineffective ‘Respect the Ref’ campaigns, Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole turned his back on referee Mike Riley as he called over to him “Ashley!” after a heavy challenge on Tottenham’s Alan Hutton.
I remember Mike Riley sounding so meak as he repeated his name, and then finally producing a yellow card which was widely viewed as lenient for a dangerous, studs-up tackle.
Calling out of surnames in army fashion – irrespective of a player’s nationality - could perhaps be a more authoritative and consistent way of communicating with players.
At least this way Mr Webb might show some consistency to one area of his refereeing.
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