Ed Janssen: impartiality of a referee?

Feyenoord fans and Dutch media criticised the decision by the Dutch FA that Ed Janssen will referee Wednesday’s ‘relegation’ game between Feyenoord and VVV Venlo in the Dutch top league.

The problem: Janssen had a youth soccer career at the club from Venlo. Dutch referee boss Dick van Egmond sees no problem in it, because all refs should be impartial. A referee can only not get a match from a team in the town in which he lives. No problems, says the Dutch FA.

You think there’s a problem?

The funny thing is, local website venlonaren.nl found out Ed Janssen already has refereed VVV Venlo three times, but not in the highest league. The results: only 0-1 losses.

Here’s an impression of referee Janssen. Good people make such impressions on YouTube.

There are even Dutch referees who’ve had a professional career on the highest level. Ben Haverkort – happy birthday (on Wednesday) – played for Ajax and has officiated many matches in the Eredivisie. Are there refs in your country who turned from a professional player to a referee on national level?