Referee

[bocadillo]

I spent 40 minutes yesterday listening to the Afternoon Play on Radio 4 yesterday. Referee - billed as a gritty drama set in the world of top-flight English football, it told the story of a referee at the top of his profession. After a controversy in an important game, his performance attracts criticism and he hears that he will not be given the Cup Final in his last season on the Elite list. His frustration builds and an unexpected phone-call puts him to the test.

It couldn't happen in real life of course









...... could it?




I know most people think they haven't got ¾ of an hour to spare but it's perfectly possible to listen to a radio play whilst doing something else at the same time. Referee by Nick Perry is available on iPlayer until next Tuesday afternoon.

 

[BolWorn]

Really, really good listen.

Makes you wonder doesn't it!

 

[M17TT C]

Sounds interesting Boc, ta for the heads up!

Available to listen here if anyone is interested.

 

[bocadillo]

Sounds interesting Boc, ta for the heads up!

Available to listen here if anyone is interested.

Thanks for providing the link - I forgot.

 

[Kettering Pete]

As a former ref - shall have to have a listen ! Thanks for the link

 

[indierich06]

Just having a listen now, very good.

 

[Kettering Pete]

Yep - it's pretty true to life so far - not that I've been to premier league level!! Making me cross that the player got away with it. The FA always give the benefit of doubt to the player!

 

[spionfox]

I presume the foul mouthed cockney was based on a current Chelsea player!

 

[Kettering Pete]

Brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed that.
The voice on the phone was superbly menacing - I'd love to do a part like that - I have a good face for radio

Fortunately I don't think that anything like that happens in this country. I coulndn't rule it out totally of course, but having associated with refs for many years, the culture is such that referees would rather cut off thier own testicles with a rusty spoon than take a bribe.

 

[OldGit]

I presume the foul mouthed cockney was based on a current Chelsea player!

or perhaps not - it was a repeat previously broadcast last year!

 

[spionfox]

the culture is such that referees would rather cut off thier own testicles with a rusty spoon than take a bribe.

Which is what Herr Koch implied when mentioning the 'perception' of British referees.

 

[indierich06]

Which is what Herr Koch implied when mentioning the 'perception' of British referees.

Voiced by the guy who played Moriarty in the recent BBC adaptation of Sherlock.

 

[Kettering Pete]

Which is what Herr Koch implied when mentioning the 'perception' of British referees.

Ture and intrestingly that the FA? Refs leader? guy assumed the betting patterns were as a result of the PLAYER taking a bribe!

I can understand the lead characters dissillusionment though, and how he thought that he ws exacting some sort of revenge on the FA for being passed over on the cup final and the player getting of with the 'cheat' comment. More powerful motive than just money perhaps. I am still annoyed at similar injusticies that have happened to me. And sadly even at lower levels you get knobs like the Birmingham fan. A well written script by someone in the know or who has done the research