Referees are coming under increasing levels of scrutiny lately, with their every decision second guessed by fans of the game. One way in which match officials receive high levels abuse is through a, perceived, favouring of the top sides, becoming almost afraid to give decisions against the ‘big boys’ due the media backlash they may receive.

It’s a frustrating state of affairs, with fans knowing that their side will be in for a tough day when venturing to the fortresses of Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the Etihad, not just through the quality of opposition, but the way in which referees act during the occasion.

Just ask Mick McCarthy, who during his spell at Wolves saw Frank Lampard’s lunge on Adam Hammill deemed to be a yellow card offense. Just a matter of weeks before Nenad Milijas had received his marching orders for a tackle, which on later viewing appeared to be fair, leading to an even greater sense of injustice. The Chelsea man received a caution for the challenge, which shows the referee had noted the event, but deemed it to have been a minor offense. Although this is hypothetical, if the challenge had of been committed by a player such as Karl Henry, the likelihood of escaping without seeing red would have been far reduced. Even Andre Villas-Boas admitted after the game that his midfielder had been lucky:

"What I would say is that Peter Walton decided on a criteria and established that criteria for the rest of the game. Five minutes into the game there was a situation for a yellow card and he decided not to give it.” Villas-Boas said in his post match press conference.

“I know the challenge might have been over the top but I think Peter conceded that Frank is not that type of player to be sent off, to lose his head over a challenge. I would congratulate his decision and his criteria-making during the game. What I normally don't accept, particularly in the Queens Park Rangers game is establishing a criteria and then not sticking to it."

Although the decision may have been based on Lampard’s reputation, a flimsy excuse, it does hint at a fear factor for referees when it comes to making big calls against the top-sides. The media circus surrounding the ‘better’ clubs in England is huge, with each game they partake in gaining mass media coverage and analysis on television networks across the globe. The comments of these managers as a result gain increased importance, with their arguments being transmitted to a wide audience. Peter Walton may have been aware of the comments made by AVB after the QPR clash, in which he criticised the officials, and in a bid to stay out of the spotlight could have backed out of the decision.

There are more and more examples of this throughout the Premier League, with the cliché of never getting a decision at Old Trafford. Although they are not the only home team to benefit from such a helping hand, the claim is to some degree valid. If an incorrect decision however meets United at a ground such as Carrow Road, the media frenzy would usurp that of say Grant Holt being denied a penalty kick in front of the Stretford End.

Managers increasingly influence referees, with half time ‘chats’ becoming a frequent occurrence. This trend is one that can only have a negative effect on the game, with officials expected to perform in an unbiased fashion. Any influence during the interval compromises this, with a niggling ‘should I give this decision?’ in the back of their mind after a conversation with a manger with a large reputation.

Although decisions do sometimes go against the established powerhouses and in favour of the minnow’s it’s hard to argue that it occurs enough to be considered fair. A decision such as a red or yellow card, or penalty kick can be the difference between European qualification and mid-table obscurity, and even worse relegation and safety. To have this come down to the influence of reputation and status is a wrong which needs to be addressed through giving match officials greater space to do their job.

The power of the media and coaches opinions within that realm are not fair on officials, who have one of the toughest jobs of all in the world of football. Correct decisions seem to slip under the radar, while the slightest error is lambasted, with hurtful comments and criticism rife. The only way to improve refereeing is be to lay off the officials slightly; who are operating under the media magnifying glass, where on mistake can ruin a reputation.

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