[0762]

This decision by the PGMOL is a curious one and could potentially 'open up a can of worms' IMO. I've no prob with refs being barred from officiating games involving 'their team' but, for that reason, all refs must surely declare what club they support if they do hold that allegiance. But removing refs from games just because the result could have a benefit on a 3rd party team??? How far do the rules extend?? In Scotland we had a Hearts fan/ref who officiated a Hearts v Hibs Scottish Cup final and guess who won and won well with lotsa controversial game-changing ref decisions attached to it? Direct conflicts of interest can and should be avoided but indirect tangles are a stramash that our already heavily-scrutinised refs could do without being dragged into!

[St Charles Owl]

This is a disgraceful decision by the authorities. It completely undermines the integrity of the ref in question and as you say opens a can of worms for the referees. I know refs have to disclose who their team is and where they live, and they will be excluded from games involving either of those but that is as far as it should go.