PITY THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE

HERE ARE TWO CAST-IRON predictions for next season’s Premiership: that many words will be said about the need for players and managers to treat officials better, and that precious little will actually be done about it. The problem is not new, of course. It wasn’t even new 23 years ago when a brilliant and infamous photo was taken at Old Trafford: the referee Andy D’Urso swaying in a hurricane of hatred as five Manchester United players gathered around him like hyenas. All the photo (below) lacked was a David Atten borough voiceover. If D’Urso had been playing for Middles brough (United’s opponents that night) his teammates would have been over in a flash to defend him. But the referee stands alone, and few seem prepared to come to his aid.…

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The Critic (Digital) - 1 Issue, July 2023

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