Why such a rule on refs in yellow?

A COUPLE of seasons ago, my club, Tunbridge Wells, played a team whose entire strip was an unbroken and very dark shade of navy blue. This presented some real difficulty in distinguishing the referee from the opposition.

As the referee was walking off at half-time I told him of this. He must have thought I was criticising him for being biased as he immediately about-turned and marched off with his assistants to their changing room. That was the beginning and end of that conversation!

Last season, I spoke to another visiting referee about coloured kits and I suggested that surely Kent FA weren’t too strapped for cash to buy a couple of, say, yellow jerseys for use when appropriate.

I was very surprised when he told me that it wasn’t a matter of expense but that FA rules require referees to wear all black outfits other than at Premier and Championship level.

Unlike expensive innovations like goal-line technology, radio communication between match officials and having three or more officials designated per match, I think this is a helpful, low-cost extra that should be made available at every level of the game.

Why is it not permitted by the FA? What’s proved good for the fatted goose must also be good for the slimmed-down gander.

I wondered at the time whether the presence of a ‘disguised referee’ favours either side. On one hand, ‘his’ team’s players could well pass the ball to him; on the other the opposition may well try to mark him out of the game! One thing is certain – the spectators would be less confused.

MIKE HUNTER, Tunbridge Wells