Jeff Winter Interview

Jeff Winter Interview

   

     
     
     
      When SoccerBible heard about new anti-diving shin pads, we couldn t resist the chance to hear the views of former Premier League referee Jeff Winter. We caught up with Jeff as he refereed a 7-a-side match - with players wearing anti-diving pads - at London s Battersea Park Millennium Arena. Which also gave us the chance to ask Jeff where he stands on goal-line technoogy and the recent Wayne Rooney ban!
   

   

                                    

SoccerBible: Tell us about the new anti-dive shin pads?                                                     Jeff Winter: The new anti-dive shin pads bleep when a player makes contact with the wearer. The pads have sensors that detect physical contact. They are designed to help referees determine if a foul is genuine. They highlight a huge problem that annoys fans and players alike.

   

      SB: Do you think that players are getting better at diving?
     
      JW: Definitely. I think it s because of the speed of the game nowadays and the players desperation to win at all costs    

   

                                    

SB: What impact could the new anti-diving shin pads have?                               JW: They are really important because they get people talking about something which is a huge problem in football. Diving annoys everyone, including the players.                                             SB: Where do you stand on goal-line technology?                               JW: I'm 100 per cent in favour of it - anything that can help referees and the game is important. I believe in retrospective action. The authorities should take action. I do not think it would undermine the referee s decision. It would help referees in the long run because, if players knew they could get caught out later, it would act as a preventative measure.

   

      SB: What impact have two extra officials had in European games?      

      JW: It should have led to improved decisions but there is little evidence to suggest that it has. It would work better if two officials could concentrate on the point of contact. They need to define the responsibility for it to work.    

   

                              

SB: How would you describe the difference in refereeing in the Premier League and in Europe?                             JW: There are very different styles. I think in Europe, for example the Spanish clubs, they ve got it right. In EPL, we want to watch football played at 100 miles an hour. It is fast, but not technically as good and lacks penetration. In Europe there s more flow and build up.                                                     SB: What can be done about players confronting the referee?               JW: There are measures in place to tackle this problem. Referees have the power. If there are five or more players surrounding the ref they get yellow cards and the clubs are fined.

   

      SB: Do you think Wayne Rooney s retrospective two-match ban [for use of abusive language after scoring a hat-trick against West Ham United] was justified?

      JW: Yes. I m amazed at what he did and I applaud the FA for dealing with it. It highlights problems, not specifically about Rooney, but about the game - sportsmanship being a huge part. The authorities need to take action and I think with the recent cases with Sir Alex Ferguson and now with Rooney they re showing that people can t get away with things. Hopefully it s a turning point in the game.    

   

     
      SB: How has the game changed since you hung up your whistle?

 

      JW: I did nine seasons in the Premiership until 2004. The game has changed a lot since then. It s faster, there s more cheating and the preventative measures both on and off the pitch have worsened. Hopefully recent developments with the FA coming down hard on players will draw a line in the sand. The anti-dive shin pads highlight that people, officials, and players, are sick of diving, and it could be a real turning point.    

   

     
         

   

      SB: What is your career highlight?

      JW: The FA Cup Final in 2004, where Manchester United beat Millwall 3-0 to secure their 11th FA Cup victory. I ve always loved football so I really enjoyed being able to be part of that game.    

   

      SB: If you weren't a referee, what would you have done?

      JW: I would have loved to have been a top class footballer. Unfortunately, I lacked the ability! If I hadn't been a referee I would have been watching the games from the terrace.