Referee Watch 2026/27

Referee Watch 2026/27

John Brooks has lost control of another game....
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

John Brooks has lost control of another game....
That’s right.

But as no PL referee has ever been dismissed for poor performance, it’ll just continue as it is. At worst he’ll be stood down for a weekend whilst still collecting his six figure salary.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

That’s right.

But as no PL referee has ever been dismissed for poor performance, it’ll just continue as it is. At worst he’ll be stood down for a weekend whilst still collecting his six figure salary.
50% of their income depends on their ranking in the "did they arrive at the same decisions as the KMI" table
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

50% of their income depends on their ranking in the "did they arrive at the same decisions as the KMI" table
According to the BBC (April 2025), the average salary for a SG1 referee was £180,000 with the match fee on top.

So still possible to clear six figures and be spectacularly sh*t at the job!
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

That’s right.

But as no PL referee has ever been dismissed for poor performance, it’ll just continue as it is. At worst he’ll be stood down for a weekend whilst still collecting his six figure salary.
Tim Robinson may not have been "dismissed" bur has not refereed a Premier League match this season.

 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Tim Robinson may not have been "dismissed" bur has not refereed a Premier League match this season.

He refereed our EFL Cup match against Birmingham.

A definite lack of appointments for him though. I wonder if there is an injury or something else going on.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

I cant understand how Bogle managed to not even get a yellow card from that incident.
Simple really. Happened v quickly and on field ref didn’t realise where Bogle had caught him. VAR cannot recommend a caution. So it’s either send ref to screen of they believe it’s a clear and obvious error and a red card offence or onfield decision stands
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Simple really. Happened v quickly and on field ref didn’t realise where Bogle had caught him. VAR cannot recommend a caution. So it’s either send ref to screen of they believe it’s a clear and obvious error and a red card offence or onfield decision stands
What is the role of the 4th official and linesman though? They were both very close.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Simple really. Happened v quickly and on field ref didn’t realise where Bogle had caught him. VAR cannot recommend a caution. So it’s either send ref to screen of they believe it’s a clear and obvious error and a red card offence or onfield decision stands
VAR can send the ref to the screen and then the ref can decide if it is red or yellow. Not the VAR.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

VAR can send the ref to the screen and then the ref can decide if it is red or yellow. Not the VAR.
Only if var deems it to be a clear and obvious error not to sanction with a red. They can’t say “take a look at this… Fairly strong challenge and could’ve been a yellow or a red” We may not like the system but that is the protocol
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Only if var deems it to be a clear and obvious error not to sanction with a red. They can’t say “take a look at this… Fairly strong challenge and could’ve been a yellow or a red” We may not like the system but that is the protocol
Well he look at it for what must have been 100 times before deciding it wasn't a clear and obvious error. So obviously not a clear and obvious error then....

Obviously the VAR is incapable of making a clear and obvious error.
 
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Referee Watch 2026/27

Coventry City suffered at the hands of Stuart Atwell last night. Three contentious decisions, all went against the Sky Blues.
Which means Frank Lampard suffered so it's fine by me.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Whats the point in even saying anything. Whats the point in going. If refs just continually reward cheating and dont do anything about it. Or apply double standards depending on the teams.

Its not an easy job. But its so bad. They need to earn respect and at the moment none of them deserve it.

No doubt the ref defenders will not agree. But i wouldnt dismiss what you say so easily. If you actually admitted the standard is this poor and needs to be addressed.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Whats the point in even saying anything. Whats the point in going. If refs just continually reward cheating and dont do anything about it. Or apply double standards depending on the teams.

Its not an easy job. But its so bad. They need to earn respect and at the moment none of them deserve it.

No doubt the ref defenders will not agree. But i wouldnt dismiss what you say so easily. If you actually admitted the standard is this poor and needs to be addressed.
I think the standard is below what it needs to be. Where I have an issue is too many people thinking there's a bias or conspiracy against us which, funnily enough, seems to be the view of every other team's fan base!

The problem is, there is no simple short term solution to improving the standard of refereeing. And for what it's worth, im not sure Oliver objectively got much wrong today.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

I think the standard is below what it needs to be. Where I have an issue is too many people thinking there's a bias or conspiracy against us which, funnily enough, seems to be the view of every other team's fan base!

The problem is, there is no simple short term solution to improving the standard of refereeing. And for what it's worth, im not sure Oliver objectively got much wrong today.
The yellow for Thiago was correct
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Whats the point in even saying anything. Whats the point in going. If refs just continually reward cheating and dont do anything about it. Or apply double standards depending on the teams.

Its not an easy job. But its so bad. They need to earn respect and at the moment none of them deserve it.

No doubt the ref defenders will not agree. But i wouldnt dismiss what you say so easily. If you actually admitted the standard is this poor and needs to be addressed.
Ref defender here.

Red Card. Igor, after being fouled (we won a Free kick) raised his elbow to the chin of the Brighton player, contact made, player goes down. A Red card. Igor did not need to do this.

Penalty.
KLP grabs the Brighton player and pulls him back in the area, causing him to stumble. Brighton player falls to the floor. Why is KLP doing this ? It's a penalty.

Two decisions which decided / ruined the game but the ref was not to blame. Blame the 2 players and their thought processes.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

The yellow for Thiago was correct
In your opinion, which you're entitled to. Although I would suggest that if a lot of actual Brentford fans are saying it was a red, then it was probably a fair decision!
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

In your opinion, which you're entitled to. Although I would suggest that if a lot of actual Brentford fans are saying it was a red, then it was probably a fair decision!
I.think a "lot of Brentford fans" tend to want to bash players needlessly when things dont go well.
Those same "lot of Brentford fans" that say Thiago is sh*t and we will be better off without him.
File those "lots of Brentford fans" under " Entitled Pricks that know very little"
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

I think very solid case for appeal on Thiago red card. His treatment more broadly is joke. Enough is enough
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

he move both his arms towards his opponent who ended up with a split-lip.
That is true but doesn’t prove an intent to strike or excessive force IMO. He’s unlucky

Schade push is unironically a worse more deliberate action in the second half in many ways. Both bookings in a common sense game
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

That is true but doesn’t prove an intent to strike or excessive force IMO. He’s unlucky

Schade push is unironically a worse more deliberate action in the second half in many ways. Both bookings in a common sense game
Intent isn't in Law.

Is he unlucky? I'd argue you put yourself into danger the moment you throw your forearm like that like an absolute muppet.

Refereeing with common sense isn't allowed anymore sadly due to how the modern game is 😔
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Intent isn't in Law.

Is he unlucky? I'd argue you put yourself into danger the moment you throw your forearm like that like an absolute muppet.

Refereeing with common sense isn't allowed anymore sadly due to how the modern game is 😔

Well said ref.
Agree on all the points you make.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

I think the standard is below what it needs to be. Where I have an issue is too many people thinking there's a bias or conspiracy against us which, funnily enough, seems to be the view of every other team's fan base!

The problem is, there is no simple short term solution to improving the standard of refereeing. And for what it's worth, im not sure Oliver objectively got much wrong today.
In fairness i dont buy there is a conspiracy against Brentford. There are plenty of other fans saying the same.

I do think their is an unconscious bias where refs are scared to give decisions against certain clubs tho and we are a bit of a soft touch in that respect.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Ref defender here.

Red Card. Igor, after being fouled (we won a Free kick) raised his elbow to the chin of the Brighton player, contact made, player goes down. A Red card. Igor did not need to do this.

Penalty.
KLP grabs the Brighton player and pulls him back in the area, causing him to stumble. Brighton player falls to the floor. Why is KLP doing this ? It's a penalty.

Two decisions which decided / ruined the game but the ref was not to blame. Blame the 2 players and their thought processes.
Smiffy i have nothing but respect for you as what you do for people is incredible.

However, i think we are going to disagree here. I dont think thats a red card and the player from Brighton should be ashamed. It ruins the game.

I also think if thsts a pen then there should be 4 or 5 a game.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Smiffy i have nothing but respect for you as what you do for people is incredible.

However, i think we are going to disagree here. I dont think thats a red card and the player from Brighton should be ashamed. It ruins the game.

I also think if thsts a pen then there should be 4 or 5 a game.
We can disagree my friend.
I wouldn't have given a pen or a red card, as I am a very lenient ref, but I would have had to explain why to an angry home manager !
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Ref defender here.

Red Card. Igor, after being fouled (we won a Free kick) raised his elbow to the chin of the Brighton player, contact made, player goes down. A Red card. Igor did not need to do this.

Penalty.
KLP grabs the Brighton player and pulls him back in the area, causing him to stumble. Brighton player falls to the floor. Why is KLP doing this ? It's a penalty.

Two decisions which decided / ruined the game but the ref was not to blame. Blame the 2 players and their thought processes.
The problem was that Ajer got unfairly booked in the first 5 minutes, Brighton then got away with countless off the ball challenges, and the sense of frustration was compounded by Oliver taking an eternity to blow up for the foul on Thiago, by which time things had escalated …

And again, if Havertz or Haaland had made the same “action” as Thiago, does anyone here really think they would have been shown a red card?
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

The problem was that Ajer got unfairly booked in the first 5 minutes, Brighton then got away with countless off the ball challenges, and the sense of frustration was compounded by Oliver taking an eternity to blow up for the foul on Thiago, by which time things had escalated …

And again, if Havertz or Haaland had made the same “action” as Thiago, does anyone here really think they would have been shown a red card?
Probably not so it was a dumb thing to do. They need to get into their heads that things aren't always fair and behave accordingly
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

I.think a "lot of Brentford fans" tend to want to bash players needlessly when things dont go well.
Those same "lot of Brentford fans" that say Thiago is sh*t and we will be better off without him.
File those "lots of Brentford fans" under " Entitled Pricks that know very little"
Whilst that might be true to an extent with some fans, I can promise you I don't habitually bash our players, but will happily call out Igor on this one.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Are the refs biased? No
do the “ big” teams get away with things? Yes
Does Var forensically examine things for the “ big” teams ? Yes
Do the refs have any consistency ? No
Are the refs incompetent? Subjective !!
Is there any accountability for the refs? No

One way and another the above seems to sum up the position we have now arrived at. Between the refs and cheating players the game is no longer enjoyable and getting worse week on week 😡😡😡😖😖
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Lets see how many times this happens this season and reds are given.
Then again it depends how well players cheat to make it happen, doesnt it
It’s already happened more than once this season… and they were given as red cards…

But sure it’s because the Brighton player cheated and nothing to do with Thiago swinging his forearm where a head would likely be…
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

Are the refs biased? No
do the “ big” teams get away with things? Yes
Does Var forensically examine things for the “ big” teams ? Yes
Do the refs have any consistency ? No
Are the refs incompetent? Subjective !!
Is there any accountability for the refs? No

One way and another the above seems to sum up the position we have now arrived at. Between the refs and cheating players the game is no longer enjoyable and getting worse week on week 😡😡😡😖😖
Refs definitely have accountability.
Otherwise i agree with your checklist.
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

It’s already happened more than once this season… and they were given as red cards…

But sure it’s because the Brighton player cheated and nothing to do with Thiago swinging his forearm where a head would likely be…
What Luke Shaw did to Bentancur was 100 x more dangerous
 

Referee Watch 2026/27

You could accept the two decisions today if you knew every team in every game would be refereed the same but they won't be. And this isnt bias, I found myself watching Friday night and getting more and more frustrated for Coventry who I am indifferent about because the decisions were so poor.
 
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