Refereeing at senior non-league level in ‘unhappy’ state – but do controversial decisions always even themselves out?

I hesitate to say this – but refereeing at senior non-League level is an unhappy state. There is a sort of force-field around officials: we were all brought up to believe that the referee or umpire is right, even when he or she is wrong. But perhaps the debate needs a little more openness.

By Kevin Anderson

Published 1st Apr 2024, 08:00 BST

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Eastbourne Borough’s level of the game has seen a whole generation of new officials, some of them on a relatively fast track, learning as they climb the ladder.

They are committed, they train and prepare thoroughly, they are observed and receive feedback. A midfielder can have an anonymous game, and a striker can miss the target – and be forgiven. But no referee can escape judgement – and yet they cannot even answer back!

It’s not by any means all the fault of the officials.

Eastbourne Borough v Maidstone is far from the first game this season to feature more than one controversial refereeing decision | Picture: Lydia Redman