The Premier League needs to lead from the front and protect its officials far better – otherwise, referees should go on strike and force the hand of football bosses when it comes to stamping out relentless abuse
We live in a world which feels immune from praising football referees. The status quo decrees that it is fair game to come down on them like a ton of bricks, the first chance we get.
The skewed argument seems to be that match officials choose to be in the spotlight and are well paid, so abusing them is justified. But we continue to overlook one simple fact.
Referees are still human and make mistakes. And if there is a man or woman out there in the world who never gets something wrong, I’d love to meet them.
A point leading referee Anthony Taylor made in a rare but brave interview with the BBC this week. Taylor has been a Premier League referee for almost 15 years, officiated at the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and 2020 European Championship, and has overseen the finals of both the European Super Cup final and Nations League.
He’s reached the top of his profession, which suggests he’s quite good at what he does.
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But the fact he has chosen to speak out and criticise the “expectation of perfection” culture that officials are subject to, should be a major concern to the game’s authorities.
The abuse Taylor continues to get, means his family can no longer bring themselves to go to games he is officiating in. He has been verbally and physically confronted, by supporters and managers, including Jose Mourinho no less.
It has affected his mental health, leaving him wondering at times if his job is worth all the baggage and aggravation that comes with it.
Players, managers, supporters and pundits have a responsibility to show referees so much more respect. Games wouldn’t be able to take place without them. And how long will it be before a match official walks off and refuses to continue, because the vitriol is so bad?
Why can’t football follow the example of both codes of rugby, when it comes to the treatment of officials?
The answer is quite simple – and it all comes down to culture. It has become a cancer in the sport that has been allowed to spread.
But if Taylor and his colleagues decided to go on strike because of it – then it’s safe to assume those who rule the game would have to come up with an immediate cure.
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