Barnet change approach to referees

When Hereford United defeated Barnet 2-1 back in August, Bees manager Paul Fairclough wasn't very happy with the performance of the referee. However since then he has instructed his squad to change their approach to the officials and it appears to have worked in their favour.

In the first four games of the season Barnet collected three red and eight yellows. Since then, in a further six games, they've received eight yellows and, for whatever reason, their form has improved.

How has this happened? Well, according to the Independent, the Bees striker Adam Birchall hit on the idea of "respect for referees" initiative. He told club captain Lee Harrison who then consulted with manager Fairclough.

"Only skipper Ismail Yakubu can talk to the referee about decisions," said Harrison.

"Since we started there has been one isolated case of dissent, no kicking the ball away, no crowding referees and it works for us. Just look at the results."

Barnet have invited Football Association chief executive, Brian Barwick, to watch them at a game and see the difference.

"There is a lot of emotion and passion in the game but you only have to look at a sport like rugby to see there seems to be a certain level of respect for the officials," Barwick said.

"That sets a marker down for our game because the treatment of referees is a really serious issue and something we have to deal with."

Last Saturday Graham Horwood was in charge of the game at Barnet when they defeated Rotherham 2-0.

"There was very little dissent from the Barnet players at all," Horwood said. "The fact that only one player – the captain – makes himself known to us makes our job a lot easier.

"There is a lot of unnecessary abuse from players that goes unnoticed by fans and that, frankly, the game can do without and I'm keen to support anything that will attract youngsters to refereeing because they will see the criticism and shouting and will inevitably be put off pursuing a career in it."

The scheme is also being backed by England manager, Steve McClaren, and PFA chief Gordon Taylor.

"If you do not have discipline you are not in control, if you are not in control it can cost you the game," McClaren said.

"It makes sense for clubs to want their players available for every game and while injuries can often not be helped, discipline can and anything that clubs can do to improve their record will be warmly welcomed," Taylor said.

"We can take a leaf out of rugby league's book because that is a highly-charged physical environment in which aggression could escalate at any time if there weren't that level of respect for officials."

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