I'm blowing the whistle on a few quick improvements to football

FOOTBALL is a wonderful sport.

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A referee checking a potential penalty in the VAR area in Spain last week

I have been watching it since 1951 and I still love every minute. Television and enormous broadcasting fees have changed the game in many ways. One consistent fact, though, has been the abuse and criticism of referees!Spectators have yelled at them and managers have used decisions to divert from the shortcomings of their own players.

Mind you, it always seems to be 'losing' managers who complain... surprised?

For years, managers called for video evidence and then when VAR came along, some losing managers/ head coaches called for it to be abandoned! It was ever thus!

I have a theory that sometimes VAR decisions take a long time because the officials are aware that the clubs and the media will come down heavily on them should they get it wrong.

I believe referees must be supported and respected more. Without them, there would be chaos.

This week, I am going to have a general moan and some of it does include officials!

My biggest gripe is all the grappling in the penalty areas at corner kicks and other set-pieces.

Most of it would be fouls and probably yellow cards if it happened anywhere else on the pitch.

If punishing it caused an excess of penalties, so be it. This grappling/ holding would soon stop.