‘Diabolical' refereeing

Press, 23 April 1984, Page 26

‘Diabolical' refereeing

NZPA staff correspondent Singapore

The standard of refereeing in the Olympic qualifying soccer series in Singapore has been "diabolical” said New Zealand’s assistant coach, Kevin Fallon, at the week-end. “I don’t think we’ve had a fair go,” said Mr Fallon. The Gisborne City coach said he wasn’t making excuses for the All Whites’ performance in Singapore. “But when you get whistled every time you get in the box, something’s wrong,” he

said. “All we’re asking for is a fair shake.” Mr Fallon said that the All Whites had an undeserved reputation as a physical side which had been brought to the attention of the Asian referees after publicity given to the comments of the Malaysian coach, Frank Lord, during his team’s tour of New Zealand last month. Mr Fallon said the trouble with the present squad was that they were a bunch of “Easter bunnies.” “They’re not physical

enough,” he said. He said that the New Zealand side had experienced its best refereeing during the World Cup qualifying series when it had started dealing with European officials. He said that referees such as the Italians had understood the New Zealand style of play much better than the Asian and Middle Eastern referees who comprised nine out of the 10 referees in the Singapore tournament.