High-profile incidents, such as an MLS player’s altercation with referees and a coach’s public outburst, highlight the severity of the issue. Governing bodies are striving to improve conditions, but the solution also requires a change in behavior from players, coaches, and fans, who must start treating referees with the respect and humanity they deserve.
The article discusses a significant issue in soccer that goes beyond the usual complaints about refereeing decisions. It’s not the quality of officiating that’s the problem, but the treatment of referees themselves. The article cites several incidents where referees were subjected to aggressive behavior from professional players and coaches, as well as the constant criticism and scrutiny they face.
This has led to a decline in the number of people willing to take up refereeing, which is described as an “epidemic” by U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson. The article suggests that the solution lies in treating referees as human beings and recognizing the challenging nature of their role in the sport.