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19 Aug 2010
How are the next generation of referees supposed to get to Premier League level if, as soon as they are there, the system that brings them through is openly criticised by managers?
After his side's draw with Birmingham City Sunderland manager Steve Bruce lambasted referee Anthony Taylor in only his third appearance officiating in the Premier League.
Taylor, who works as a prison officer at Strangeways and was fast-tracked through the system by the Premier League, sent off Lee Cattermole for two bookable offences - but the midfielder was lucky not to have been severely punished earlier in the game after he bust open Gary O'Connor's head with a vicious elbow.
After that he then held and pulled Cameron Jerome, which got him his first booking, and then proceeded to kick the ball away for which he was not punished.
Then a nasty challenge on Lee Bowyer brought his second caution and sending off.
Taylor was right to have sent Cattermole off as there were various reasons why he should not have been on the pitch, and Bruce was out of line to state his player is "victimised by referees" as the midfielder had done himself no favours in that game with his behaviour.
Bruce would argue the decision helped Birmingham upset the football betting and come back from 2-0 down, but he really needs to take a look at what his player was doing.
"The ref was totally inadequate," Bruce said. "He's only been refereeing for four years, so it's a huge decision to promote him to the Premier League. I believe this was his third appearance. He wasn't ready for it. He was absolutely awful. His decisions cost us."
It now transpires that the Football Association have studied Bruce's words, under their new speedier disciplinary ruling, and decided to take no action about the comments.
Bruce as not quick to question the officials when his side got a penalty despite the fact the offence was outside the box - and that decision was made by a vastly experienced assistant referee.
If managers are allowed to speak out like this and not get punished for it then it could put potential Premier League referees off making the step-up. If the FA is serious about its respect campaign, action should have been taken against Bruce, but he was not even subject to a slap on the wrists.
Let's hope Anthony Taylor shows Bruce just what a quality referee he is and develops into one of England's best.
Meanwhile, the Premier League odds suggest Sunderland could be in for a tough match when they face West Bromwich Albion this weekend.
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21 Aug 2010 - 14:10 BSTdinger
as a retired referee I am sorry to say steve bruce is correct when I was a referee in devon to get onto the football league you were about 38 and sometimes older and retire at 47 now 48 and you can be extended peter walton is just off 51 and look at his fitness perfect the fa must stop fast tracking look at other jobs that have tried fast tracking most have failed and in some companys cost millions of pounds for making poor decisions .