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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Max Rushden

Madrid and Marseille lead anti-referee epidemic but no officials means no game

Kylian Mbappé reacts after being fouled against Espanyol; Marseille’s president, Pablo Longoria; the Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic officiates in Turkey; and Anders Frisk officiates Barcelona v Chelsea in 2005
Kylian Mbappé reacts after being fouled against Espanyol; Marseille’s president, Pablo Longoria; the Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic officiates in Turkey; and Anders Frisk officiates Barcelona v Chelsea in 2005 (clockwise from top left). Composite: Getty, Shutterstock, PA

It was so refreshing to hear one of the world’s best players defend referees last week. Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde reminded us that officials are people too – just like us. If you prick Darren Cann, does he not bleed?

“I’m not one to judge the referee,” Valverde said in the press conference before Madrid’s victory over Manchester City. “We are all human and we can make mistakes. Referees are also criticised a lot and when they do things well, they are not flattered either.”

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