Managers see red as League’s new ref initiative slammed
Feeney. Healy and King all flag up major issues with ‘Catch Yourself On’ strategy
Glentoran manager Warren Feeney says he's frustrated at not being able to question refereeing decisions
Irish League managers have pleaded with officials to show some understanding and common sense as they implement the Irish FA’s tighter disciplinary measures.
Mike Riley, the Irish FA’s new Head of Refereeing, has held a briefing with club bosses and referees while launching a new campaign called ‘Catch Yourself On’ aimed at tackling abusive behaviour towards football match officials in Northern Ireland.
There’s a crackdown on dissent coming from the technical area and several managers have been booked already.
Bosses Warren Feeney, David Healy and Stuart King were all cautioned at the weekend and are concerned at the new approach taken by officials.
The Irish League managers accept that verbal and physical abuse is unacceptable but maintain that, as emotions run high, they should be allowed to question decisions.
Glentoran chief Warren Feeney was fuming on Friday night after he was booked for complaining about time wasting and he saw an Aidan Wilson finish controversially ruled offside.
“I’m hoping to have a meeting with Mike Riley and I’d like clarification about what we can do,” said the former Northern Ireland frontman, whose side lost 2-1 to Larne at the BetMcLean Oval.
“An assistant referee told my assistant manager to ‘shut up’ and that’s unacceptable. You can’t speak like that and then expect to be shown respect.
“We had a goal disallowed against Larne and the same thing happened in the Newcastle United game, their goal stood and ours was ruled out.
“Referees want respect but they get big decisions wrong. Aidan Wilson’s goal was
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