Meet the new men in black training to make Premier League tough calls

Poor decisions have put referees in the firing line again, yet their dedication and commitment remains undimmed and as the next generation comes through, their preparation for the big stage is better than ever

• Wes Brown sending-off not mistaken identity

• José Mourinho angry with Nemanja Matic decision

• Michael Oliver in You Are The Ref

Why do it? Talking to the men earmarked to be the elite referees of the future, an unavoidable question elicits a knowing smile. This season, criticism of a pressurised vocation has flared up to the point where some former officials have felt compelled to turn on their own and lament the standard. That is quite striking, because the more you talk to referees the more obvious it is that supporting each other through thick and thin is fundamental.

So why do it? Why spend countless hours driving up and down the country to dole out rules, some of which are inevitably going to upset people, trying to climb up the officiating ladder until you reach the chance to make decisions on television in front of millions who scrutinise you and lacerate your ability courtesy of umpteen different angles and slow-motion replays?

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source Sport | The Guardian http://ift.tt/19bQkuP