She was going for the ball NUMBNUTS!!!!

These words were uttered by me the fan.

Why?

Because I was watching one of my favourite teams, and the referee gave a straight red card for a supposed "professional" foul. Now I say "supposed" because I disagree with the call, and as a fan I let him know my feelings. This was both right and wrong. Right because referees are not immune from criticism. They are not perfect, they make mistakes and they should be made aware of any calls that are not right, or close. It was wrong, because the comment didn't accomplish anything, and even worse, may dissuade a more sensitive referee from refereeing in the future.

They deserve respect, from players, coaches and fans, and they deserve our support. But what do they do for the game and why are they different from hockey officials, or umpires in baseball.

The first and critical difference is that a referee is there to "enforce the laws of the game". This establishes the fundamental difference. They are "laws" not "rules". Laws need to be interpreted, whereas rules are either infringed or not. For instance a pitch is either a ball or a strike in baseball, or a hit is fair or foul. It is or it isn't. In soccer a foul may not be a foul because of circumstances such as the weather. where a slide tackle that is late may not attract a card because the field is wet. In certain circumstances the referee may waive off a foul to allow an  "advantage" to develop after the foul. As a result, the person who commits the foul may not be sanctioned. Thus the referee must interpret the laws as the game is being played. It is fluid and dynamic. It is extremely challenging and calls for a great deal of common sense and judgement.

For example, a player spits on the jersey of an opponent who is behind him. This serious conduct that warrants a red card. Simple. But what if the referee had observed the "spitter" being struck in the mouth just prior to the event, and they then turn to spit out something in their mouth. Not so simple any more is it.

This is why their role is so challenging.  Every situation may have a different interpretation because of how the circumstances develop within the game. It isn't easy, and we need to cut them some slack once in awhile.

Oh yes, Howard Webb is a Man Utd ringer, and SHE WAS GOING FOR THE BALL NUMBNUTS!!!!!