Chelsea Fiasco: UEFA Need To Be More Transparent

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Players and managers are being punished for remarks made about poor refereeing performances, but the men-in-the-middle are never punished severely, nor do they have to explain their actions to anyone apart from their bosses, who will just give them a slap on the wrist and say they are doing a good job in a hard profession.

In an age when communication is almost instantaneous, it would be easy for a referee to explain his or her actions and, if necessary, hold their hands up to making a mistake; after all, they are only human like the rest of us and people would probably be more understanding.

Basically, the rules governing the ability for managers or players to comment on the performance of match officials is far too strict.

While the average fan can say pretty much whatever they like, and the media can cry fair comment, those who work in professional football have less human rights than the rest of us.

If UEFA is to properly represent the needs of the federations in Europe it must be seen to be more transparent, the bedrock of all justice systems is that justice must be done and seen to be done.

Everyone in football—from UEFA President Michel Platini to the referee at Stamford Bridge that night—have a responsibility to one people: the fans.

It is up to them to ensure that the beautiful game remains just that—not the cloak and dagger affair it currently is.

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