Local refs go on strike

Referees in one of my local football leagues - the Warley & District Sunday League - went on strike last weekend, in protest at aggressive players.I say, good on them.

I’ve watched many Sunday League games from different parts of the country and the abuse these refs get can be astonishing. They’re paid about twenty quid, enough to cover their costs of getting to the venue and washing their kit, so it’s clear these refs are doing it for the fun. Take away the fun and what happens - no refs = no football.

In my mind this needs to get sorted out at Sunday league level - AND at Premier League level. Watching Arsenal’s players harass the referee last week was embarrassing. Is it any surprise this behaviour trickles down to the parks?

Offside?

So many important goals seem to be surrounded in was he / wasn’t he offside controversy. Joe Cole’s winner for Chelsea today for example.

Simple solution - get rid of the offside rule completely. Maybe trial games without the offside rule in the Carling Cup next season and see how it goes.