West Brom write to ref chiefs for clarity on decisions

Albion has reached out to the authorities overseeing referees at the PGMOL, the Football Association, and EFL executives, requesting a thorough examination and reconsideration of the decisions made in the current season. The club’s motivation for seeking this review stems from their growing concerns regarding a series of crucial judgments that have seemingly gone against them this season, leaving head coach Carlos Corberan notably troubled.

Corberan, despite his evident frustration, has refrained from assigning blame to the match officials and has not cast doubts on their integrity. His primary contention is that pivotal decisions in matches, such as penalties and red cards, should only be given when there is absolute certainty and clarity on the part of the referees. Albion has experienced unfavorable outcomes in games against Birmingham, Bristol City, Watford, and Blackburn, which have added to their concern.

Corberan emphasizes the importance of fairness in decisions for both sides, expressing his dissatisfaction with winning a game through an unjust or unfair advantage. He holds referees in high regard, recognizing the difficulties and immense pressure associated with their job, particularly in the era of televised scrutiny.

Carlos Corberan (Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images).

The head coach’s desire is to witness football played with the utmost fairness, even though he acknowledges that errors are an inherent part of the game. He believes that the accumulation of these errors has been particularly frustrating this season, prompting the club to engage with the relevant authorities for a comprehensive assessment. He emphasizes that this is not about criticizing referees but about striving for the best possible games.

Corberan acknowledges that mistakes happen in all aspects of the game, from players to referees, but some mistakes have a more significant impact. He highlights instances where penalties were not awarded, citing the need for referees to be completely sure before making such a call. He understands the importance of referees being sure, as a lack of certainty can lead to doubts and increased controversy. The impact of such uncertainties can be profound and can affect the team’s performance.

Albion is not alone in its quest for clarity, as other clubs have also received apologies from refereeing authorities for incorrect decisions. The club’s hope is that the response from the authorities will lead to ongoing improvement in decision-making, with an emphasis on fairness. The impact of decisions, correct or incorrect, has a substantial bearing on the points teams can accumulate, making it crucial to continually assess and rectify the balance of right and wrong decisions.

Corberan cites specific incidents where, in his view, penalties should have been awarded but weren’t due to the referees’ doubts or the speed of the game. He understands the need for referees to be sure in such situations, which is why instances where they are not sure are particularly painful and impactful. Despite the difficulties and frustrations inherent in football, Corberan remains committed to overcoming these challenges and striving for success.

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