Goodnight Mr Poll

The first rule of refereeing, of course, is that officials should be as inconspicuous as possible and enforce the rules without becoming the story
Paul Wilson, the Guardian

I watched with interest the video diary of Graham Poll's final season as a Premiership referee, on the BBC's "Inside Sport" (web link). My main frustration was that it painted the idea that Poll was a respected ref until the World Cup fiasco, that this was his first big mistake, and somehow it was out of character. This framed two crucial incidents this season: his sendings off of John Terry and James McFadden. Both incidents were controversial because they questioned Poll's integrity, and - as the story went - although he's made mistakes, he's not a cheat.

The reason I'm glad to see the back of Poll is his decision-making, and subsequent response, during a 2000 Merseyside derby. As this youtube clip reminds us, he disallowed a perfectly legitimate Don Hutchison goal then pretending that he'd blown for full time. It was an awkward, obvious mistake, made worse by him coming on the TV to lie, and cover up his reasoning. You can't fully see the Terry and McFadden arguments without realising that Poll has previous when it comes to lying over his actions.

It's seven years too late, but at least finally Poll has owned up to what Evertonians have long insisted. In an interview with Matthew Bannister (download the audio (7mins 50sec)) he accepts that it was a perfectly legitimate goal, and by trying to explain it away he just made matters worse. The World Cup fiasco wasn't a blip on the record of a great referee. It was symptomatic of a man who has different rules for different players, makes basic errors, and lies about them.

Comments

[Quinn]

Spot on. While I agree with much that Poll had to say on Inside Sport - about the pressure on referees, and regarding certain managers’ behaviour - he is certainly the wrong messenger.

[Josh]

Although as a Spurs fan I can't comment on Evertonian grudges, I wholeheartedly disagree with your viewpoint. Referees need protection, doesn't matter who says it. Poll was a professional who made some mistakes, so what. Everyone does. And the 3 yellow card thing, that wasn't just his mistake, it was the other THREE officials (complete with headsets), the PLAYER HIMSELF not owning up, and who knows how many other people on the sideline watching. I think i can forgive him for that, especially in the fervour of a crucial world cup game. Cut him and the referees some slack, give them some protection and allow them to yellow card idiots like Rooney, Rio, Bellamy and the like who consistently swear at the referee on LIVE television, often close-up. Even a 10yr old can lip read "Fuck off". I'd like to see you become a referee.

[aje]

My criticism wasn't that he's made mistakes, it's that he's subsequently lied about them.