I normally stop short of criticizing referees. Having refereed myself at a modest level, I appreciate how difficult the job is. For one thing, angles are all important. The ref cannot possibly have the same view as someone observing from an opposite terrace or grandstand. He can’t see everything.
It’s different now with VAR of course, but then such technology remains a thing of the future over in these parts.
I missed a lot of Irish League when in exile over the years and certainly scoffed at suggestions upon my return last summer that the standard of refereeing in the Danske Bank Premiership was at it’s worst-ever.