Football: Chester referee Liam Power revels in his role

Jan 13 2011 by Paul Glynn, Chester Chronicle

Football: Chester referee Liam Power revels in his role

AN experienced referee has poured praise upon footballers in Chester for their good behaviour on the pitch – but he believes stricter punishments should still be dealt out to the offending minority.

Liam Power, 51, who refereed in the League of Ireland before coming over to Chester for personal reasons, says that he has thoroughly enjoyed his nine years officiating in the Chester and District League and West Cheshire League, despite still holding some reservations about the lenient nature of the punishments dealt out to abusive players.

He told The Chronicle: “Personally I’ve had no problems in Chester and have only ever had to dish out five or six red cards.

“Every ref has his own style but I make a point of going into the changing rooms before each game and meeting the teams.

“Some refs take the abuse but I try and nip it in the bud early by talking to the captain or issuing a card.

“I always tell them that I’m yet to meet a perfect footballer or a perfect referee and that we will all make mistakes.

“Success in refereeing is all about man-management and respect of players. But when I’m out and about people shout ‘all right ref!”

The Kingsway resident added: “It is great that clubs vote on the referees’ performance as they don’t have that communication in Ireland.

“There are some good captains out there who don’t just take the toss but lead their team on the pitch.

“But the penalties aren’t strict enough in county football for misbehaving teams and I think that the punishment should fit the crime.”

Power, who has refereed under 21 internationals in the past, now helps to assess the league’s officials and was delighted to see the recent introduction of a welfare officer and mentoring system to help encourage new young officials

And while he has endured little abuse personally, he admits that problems do still prevail.

He suggests that those at the top of the game must take more responsibility regarding attitudes towards the men in black, as they ultimately filter down the leagues.

“Everyone wants to see controversy and so the likes of Andy Gray on Sky Sports want to criticise the referee,” said Power, who is head of procurement at Knowsley Council.

“But he has the benefit of lots of replays and I’d like to see him be given the whistle one time just to get a feel for it.

“Also in the top leagues it would be good if after the game the referee sat down with the two managers to discuss his decisions – before the managers go out and do their interviews with steam coming out their ears.

“We also need to encourage more older referees to take up the whistle, like players who have recently finished playing.

“It’s a great way of being involved in football and as long as the players and managers shake your hand at the end of the game you must have done something right.”