The match referee is often at the wrong end of wrath from players, managers and fans alike but without them the game simply wouldn’t go ahead. The ‘Ref’, man in the middle or traditionally the man in black has been in control and responsible for ensuring the laws of the game are adhered too since its inception.

Over the years we’ve seen plenty of characters officiate the beautiful game with varying styles and degrees of strictness. Usually you know when a referee has had a good game as he’s not been mentioned in commentary and the flow of the match goes smoothly.

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