Time for run of the mill pros to pick up whistle
Refereeing is a hobby for frustrated footballers which has many laughing all the way to the bank.
Whistlers who took charge of a Premiership game yesterday picked up an £850 fee before expenses.
A nice little earner in anybody’s book. But when the man in the middle earns more than some of the players then it begs a question.
Why don’t more run of the mill pros become whistlers?
Dunfermline goalie Sean Murdoch and Peterhead’s Grant Anderson are the only two who’ve made serious moves to infiltrate the men in black.
Anderson has already qualified and is licensed to officiate in the Club Academy Scotland league up to Under-17 level. He can also take charge of amateur games.
With over 250 matches under his belt in the SPFL, Anderson has an advantage over other officials.
Which brings us to Kevin Clancy. Maybe missing the fact a ball had crossed the line in Motherwell ’s midweek game against Hamilton could be laid at his door. Maybe not.
But that controversy ensured several other flashpoints were overlooked.
Within a few first- half minutes his decisions strengthened the case of former pros to be fast tracked as match officials. The first was a reckless challenge from Accies’ Darian MacKinnon on Chris Clay.
It was a tackle designed to cause damage but disguised as being just that wee bit late and then came the customary plea of innocence.
Clancy awarded a free-kick but it should have been at least a yellow card.
As far as the intent went, the whistler was oblivious.
Seconds later, Chr is Cadden’s tackle on Scott McMann was physical but fair before being pulled down by the Accies man.
Clancy gave a f ree - k ick to Hamilton, he didn’t have a clue what had happened and it was due to the fact he never played at a level.
An initiative in England has been launched to get footballers into refereeing early
The incentives are there. Martin Clattenburg turned down a £1million salary in China and the average salary for a top-f light whistler in England is £70,000 so if you’re a lower league player then it’s a no-brainer to give it a go.
Imagine it, common sense from officials who know what it’s like to be a pro.
Respect instantly awarded for refs who can anticipate what’s about to happen from a player’s perspective. It sometimes takes the mind of a murderer to solve the crime.