SoccerBible Meets Ex-Ref Graham Poll, At A Pub
Football fans around the world focus attention on their favourite players, managers and clubs. But in every match the man in the middle, the referee, plays just as important a role. SoccerBible caught up with former Premier League ref Graham Poll, to run the rule over goal-line technology, in-match replays and other suggestions of how to improve the beautiful game.
Poll, who officiated at two World Cups, also named the best player to work with, the hardest player to control, and his least favourite manager. Check out what he had to say as we chatted to one of the Premier Leagues most recognised ex-referees.
SoccerBible: What are your thoughts on goal-line technology? Is it time to adopt it in the Premier League?
Graham Poll: It s certainly time to experiment. Whether it s in the Premier League, the Football League or the Russian League, I don t really mind. It s time we got a definitive answer. Its farcical when you get situations like England v Germany [the Frank Lampard disallowed goal at World Cup 2010]. You can t blame the referee for not seeing it. His position on the pitch is dictated by play and the shot came in at pace from distance.
| Sepp Blatter says FIFA won t endorse goal-line technology until there s evidence that its 100% accurate. I feel that if it is more accurate than what we rely on now, a ref and two assistants, and it can improve detection rates, then we should introduce it.
Would you like to see in-match replays to help the ref make a decision? GP: I don t think we should replay every single incident. We love a fluid game and it is very different to rugby or cricket where there are obvious phases of play. What I d like to see trialled is a facility for the ref to be able to ask for another look at an incident from a different angle. If he s not sure, he could watch a replay and then make the correct decision. |
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So you don t agree with Stoke manager Tony Pulis who has called for a tennis-style system where players can challenge decisions?
GP: No. It should be up to the referee. Managers would use that system tactically. In tennis, players use the challenge system to break up play if they ve lost the last two points. You don t want it to become a tactic. You want it to prevent errors.
What can be done to reduce simulation in the game?
GP: It s a growing problem and one of the worst things about the game. To help stamp it out, I d like to see referees instructed to be tougher. I want to see more players being cautioned for diving, even if it means the occasional player gets booked for diving when he hasn t.
In South America, officials spray paint out the 10-yard distance from a free-kick. Would you like to see that in the Premier League?
GP: I m up for anything that can help. If a ref is struggling to get the wall back the right distance, then why not!? It s a high-alcohol spray that evaporates and disappears within 30-40 seconds.
Can you clarify for us the letter of the law regarding two-footed tackles?
GP: If a player commits a challenge at speed with excessive force that endangers the opponent - it is a red card. Tackling is a very important part of football. Fans love to see players winning a strong, but fair, tackle.
Players need to keep the force they use under control. Referees must not over-react. With a two- footed tackle once both feet are off the ground you re not in control of your body motion. You can t pull out of the challenge.
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What on-pitch behaviour winds you up?
We hear people moan about the lack of football-playing experience of officials. Would you like to see more ex-pros picking up a whistle?
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But you d expect their experience in the game and their understanding of football would give them a good start. You learn by refereeing through all the levels. Whilst you might be able to fast track someone a bit, they still need to take charge of a certain number of games. You wonder how many former professional footballers would want to go through that process.
As a referee, how do you pick your boots?
GP: I used to wear a number of different brands including Umbro, but when you referee at international level, you must wear adidas boots. FIFA are sponsored by adidas so you re issued a pair. I wanted to wear the same boots all of the time so I just wore adidas.
What was your career highlight?
GP: The UEFA Cup Final in 2005 in Lisbon was great. It was Sporting v CSKA Moscow. For the home team to qualify for a European Final in their own stadium is rare and there was a superb atmosphere. Sporting lost, but it was a really good game of football.
Who were the best players you shared a pitch with?
GP: Zinedine Zidane. He was a brilliant player for Real Madrid and France. The most influential was Roy Keane. He could change a game by himself. One of the most exciting guys to watch was Thierry Henry. I loved combative midfield players like Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira. Brad Friedel is a good guy who has stood the test of time and is still playing fantastically well.
They are great names. Were there ever moments when you had to remind yourself that you were refereeing a match?
GP: At each match, there is an assessor who evaluates your performance. I was criticised for applauding one particular move - at Chesterfield of all places! A fantastic top corner shot came in and the keeper made a great save. I was applauding the effort of both sides. But after the match the assessor told me I had been ridiculous and not to applaud again. I didn t!
Who are the most difficult players to referee?
GP: The most difficult are those who have immense ability but a poor attitude. An example would be Craig Bellamy. He won t listen to your point of view. It s frustrating. You should just send him off, but because he s such a good player, you try to work with him.
Graham Poll was speaking at the launch of the Carlsberg Pub Cup Green Card initiative. The Carlsberg Pub Cup is a nationwide [UK only] 5-a-side competition for players of all standards. To register your team visit www.carlsberg.co.uk/pubcup
