Alan Newlands is a referee currently operating in SPFL Leagues 1 & 2. We spoke to him about the challenges of the sport and what inspired him to become ‘the man in black’.
Scottish Comedy FC: What inspired you to become a referee?
Alan Newlands: Whilst playing amateur football I always felt the referees at amateur level and senior level received harsh criticism and I thought I would give refereeing a try to find out if I could do a better job.
SCFC: Who is your refereeing hero? Is there someone who you try to emulate on the park?
AN: When I first started refereeing I read Pierluigi Collina autobiography and I was inspired by his autobiography and with how well regarded and respected Pierluigi was within the game. I wouldn’t say I try to emulate Pierluigi or anyone else, as each referee has their own individual style, but I believe Pierluigi’s major decision making was excellent and I like to think I have the same standard of decision making! Although I have a bald head and scary eyes there isn’t many other similarities between myself and Pierluigi!
SCFC: If you could pick any two teams, what would be your dream match-up to referee?
AN: It would have to be Real Madrid versus Barcelona as it is one of the best football derbies in the world, and is very difficult to referee!
SCFC: Is there a big game from the past that you wish you had been able to referee?
AN: As with most football fans, I like the big games to have lots of goals although this rarely happens these days, as there is so much at stake. I remember watching the 2005 Champions League Cup final, AC Milan versus Liverpool, with friends, and the match was one to remember. Liverpool were 3-0 at half time but managed to turn the deficit to 3-3 and eventually won the match on penalties. I would enjoy refereeing any Champions League match but one with 6 goals and penalties would be special.
SCFC: What does the future hold for you?
AN: I am currently refereeing league 1 and league 2 matches at the moment and I am hopeful that I will referee some Championship games next season – with a view to refereeing Premiership games once I am established in the Championship.
SCFC: What has been the most challenging decision you’ve made as a referee?
AN: I have had quite a few challenging decisions over the years but sending off 5 players and a manager after a mass brawl was a challenging moment. Thankfully I managed to continue with the game and it became easier to referee with only 17 players on the pitch!
SCFC: Do players still show the referee respect or is the influence of the players ‘crowding’ refs in the Premier League et al. making it more difficult?
AN: Generally most players will show you respect if you reciprocate respect towards players, however there are certain players that just don’t like or respect referees and they can be difficult to work with! The crowding of referees is not a good image for the game and teams use this tactic to try and influence a referee’s decision. The crowding over referees is not that common in Scotland and I know that the English Premier League fine teams who crowd their referees
SCFC: As a referee you’re under pressure to make decisions in a heartbeat. Do you feel that you’re under more scrutiny because of the number of replays and angles available on TV coverage?
AN: Yes, every decision has to be made almost instantly as any delay will show uncertainty and players may try to influence a referee who is uncertain. All referees and assistant referees who operate in senior football in Scotland are under more scrutiny due to the number of cameras at every game. The referees in live TV games are under more scrutiny as there are more cameras and unfortunately the referee will not always have the best angle or distance to make the correct decision. Numerous cameras at a game may be able to obtain the best angle and magnify an incident but this is something a referee doesn’t have at his or her disposal – they can only give the decision from their viewpoint.
SCFC: What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming a referee?
AN: Refereeing is a great opportunity to learn the Laws of the Game and stay actively involved in the game. Although it can be difficult to start with, there is lots of coaching, guidance and encouragement from all referees and former referees. If you are interested in becoming a referee then visit the Glasgow Referees Association website where details of the next of the next refereeing course, starting in August, will be posted shortly.
