We’ve come to know and in many ways accept that those in charge of the game (various federations) are all but overtly corrupt. Referees are the on field authority figure so if they get a decision wrong the natural reaction is that it’s because he’s got an interest in the outcome, ergo, a twat.
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I haven’t seen a single pundit or journalist say that was a penalty yesterday - they’re all bemused as to why it was given. It’s a bit of a leap to scream conspiracy straight away but with the allegations flying about at the moment with regards to top-flight refereeing it can’t help but play on your mind.
One thing that is for certain is that video technology is required to assist referees. It’s bizarre that football has changed so much in the last 20-30 years but refereeing is still stuck in the 60’s. For the game to be properly controlled and officiated there needs to be a 5th official with access to video replays, though I do fear that the “powers that be” won’t allow that. There’s an unseemly smell of corruption around world football, are the PMGOL involved in that somehow?
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There’s so much money sloshing around at the premiership level that I suspect clubs can’t afford to lose it.
If that means all the shenanigans that goes on in matches - pulling shirts, deliberate fouls, feigning injury etc etc are being done to gain the advantage then it’s no wonder Refs become the whipping boy when they get it wrong or miss something.
That being said, when there are accusations that some Refs are deliberately not seeing things, particularly in games involving the “big” clubs, then something is definitely not right with the game.
Do I wear a tinfoil hat and think there’s a conspiracy? then no…maybe 
Do I think players should show more respect when a decision goes against them? then yes.
Do we need video replays? then, yes otherwise the game as a whole will become more discredited.
Are Refs twats? I’d say yes, for a given value of twat - they’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t make the right decision given the way things stand in the game at the moment.
I think it was George Carlin who said that you don’t need a formal conspiracy when powerful people’s interests converge.
In footballing terms, the fact that video technology and/or some kind of an ‘appeal’ based system is perfectly accessible, yet no representative from any of the big clubs have supported its introduction whatsoever, speaks volumes.
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Swansea v Chelski
Costa floored, but play acting as if he’ll never play again…twat.
But what can the Ref do but card the opposition?
Even 5 live questioning his regular play acting…and surprise surprise Costa has made a miraculous recovery…ffs!
Edit : Justice. Swansea pull 2 back in as many mins!
Costa dives,rather than score. He’s on a yellow but Mariner doesn’t book him. Should have been sent off for a second yellow.
Questions need to be asked about Reffing standards after this weekend.
I’ve got used to them being twats, I’d just like them to be consistent twats.
Too many of them love themselves.
Huge debate on refeering standards and diving (Costa) on R5 606 now
Chelsea have done very nicely from refs in recent seasons.
Some clubs seem luckier than others.
The problem with statements like Halsey is you wonder how far the culture of corruption might go, should it exist.
Leicester were awarded a lot of penalties last year, and yes, they were a great story. You do wonder how much the PL might favour the narrative over the actual.
http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/elfmeterschuetzen/wettbewerb/GB1/plus/?saison_id=2015
Didn’t that happen to Costa earlier in the season, he was already on a yellow and should have got another one for diving or absuing the ref. Ref didn’t give, probably didn’t want to “ruin the game”.
Then Costa pops up and scores the winner!!
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No, no, no - that can’t be right - I’ve been assured that these things even themselves out. 
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Leicester were awarded 13 penalties.
We got four!
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You’d almost think there was a conspiracy to make sure Leicester won the title and we didn’t…
Yes, I do believe that there was a secret edict that went out to referees last season, telling them to make sure they gave every potential penalty to Leicester, because the Premier League (or maybe the FA) were desperate to see some team other than one of the usual suspects winning the title. Acutally, now I come to think of it, it’s far more likely that the Premier League and the FA were workng together on this, using their apparent mutual antipathy and inability to work together as a convenient smokescreen. Bllimey.
Now then, where’s the rolly-eyes-total-fucking-loony emoji gone? I need it right now.
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That aside…some refs do love to get involved and help the script along a bit.
I always think sport has enough drama without MotD editors or officials trying to create a plot line.
There is little worse than Motson advising us that the bloke coming up for a corner hasn’t scored all season, and wouldn’t it be amazing if he got the winner…
Closest rival was Watford. 7 pens awarded.
What price fairy story? Six more pens, apparently 
I suggest nothing except it’s a wonderful story which scotches the myth that the highest wage bill wins the Prem. A lovely, marketable story 
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