Referees in the media (week 41)

Referees in the media will be published at the beginning of the week on the Dutch Referee Blog and provides remarkable or interesting quotes and links to articles worth reading.

“It is simply sad that the referee has stolen us the victory. My arm was shot from felt 10 cms, should I chop my arm off?”

It’s not just the quote from Neven Subotić that’s interesting. It’s the analysis of a penalty given by Pavel Královec on the blog World of Football Refereeing.

“I’m not going to judge the referees. That’s up to members of the commision at the stadium. But I think it’s good that referees are explaining their decisions. That’s what everyone’s asking for. We never gave any comments, nor the referee committee or the referee. At media’s and Pro League’s (Belgium’s highest football level, JtH) request, we decided that’s under some circumstances it’s good that a referee gives an explanation about certain decisions. The referees got a media training for that.”

Long quote from referee boss Robert Jeurissen from Belgium, but you most of you can’t read further (in Dutch) on the website of BelgiumSoccer. Jeurissen reacts on the fact that two referees, Dierick and Gumienny, talked about their mistakes last weekend.

“It’s an honour to be with Asia’s young and talented referees and I feel like part of a big family here. I’ve learnt many good things in this course.”

Lee Collins, who is in his second season as a Football League Referee, is doing an exchange program with Future Referees from Asia. Read it all in the article of the AFC about Project Future Referees.

Referees in the media (week 31)

‘Referees in the media’ will be published each Monday on the Dutch Referee Blog and provides remarkable or interesting quotes and links to articles worth reading.

“Internationally we do fall into a serious vacuum. At the European Championships next year there will be no Belgian whistling, and in my estimation the chances for the WC 2014 are minimal.”

By Belgian referee boss Robert Jeurissen about Frank DeBleeckere who has to stop at the end of this year. But he’s positive about Serge Gumienny who ‘hopefully will become an Elite referee soon’.

“Thank God there was a possibility to be appointed for the final.”

Says Argentine referee Sergio Pezzotta who officiated at the Copa Libertadores, his last big tournament before retirement December next year. Brazilian team Santos won the tournament by winning from Uruguayan Penarol.

“I am proud that our referees are among the best in the world as their performances in FIFA and AFC-organised tournaments were appreciated by players, fans, officials and the Member Associations.”

By Zhang Jilong, president of the Asian Football Federation AFC, during the annual referees meeting with Asian referees.

“My goal is the absolute top.”

Be prepared for Roy van der Meer, who recently joined the talent route for assistant referees. He has set his goals straight: becoming world top class assistant referee.