He has frequently been referred to as “the bastard in the black”. One person with a whistle can arouse more enmity than the worst tackle on a football field. We feel that their only purpose is to give decisions in our favour. If they give a decision or worse a goal against us they are obviously stupid, blind and arguably corrupt. Now of course we have VAR, so we don’t have to worry about the referee’s decisions on the field any more. Or do we? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices