logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2021
1 h

All eyes on referees

Stak
About this episode
tail spinning
Up next
May 2021
The 2020/21 season: When Everything Changed
When we look back at perhaps the most challenging season in English football history, we probably won't remember the goals or the games. This was the campaign of meaningful action, of meaningful change.On our final episode of the season, we take another look at some of the bigges ... Show More
33m 20s
May 2021
Football ownership in focus: the greed, the bad, the ugly
Football may have undergone its most seismic shift ever over the last few weeks. The threat of European Super League finally materialised and had evaporated just two days later, blown up in a blaze of fury from an unrivalled unity of football stakeholders.In its wake, the debate ... Show More
46m 37s
Apr 2021
From life-ending thoughts to personal triumph
In March 2019, Leigh Nicol - then playing for Charlton Athletic - was made aware that her iCloud had been hacked and some intimate footage had been shared online. In an instant, her life was shredded and she struggled to see how she could piece it back together. Leigh joins us on ... Show More
44m 5s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
VAR Has To Go!
<p>The Premier League might be known as the home of the 'beautiful game', but we're arguing that the inconsistency in officiating and the blatant favoritism in decisions is threatening to tarnish its beauty. We're looking at two major incidents that have sparked our ire - a contr ... Show More
52m 52s
Nov 2024
Why can't refs answer back?
<p>David Coote’s career as a referee looks to be over; but do we have unrealistic expectations of referees? If referees are berated by players, fans and coaches are they not allowed to react?</p><p>Tom Clarke, Martin Samuel, Gregor Robertson and Tony Cascarino look at football’s ... Show More
55m 23s
Feb 2020
Jules & Andy: Was the Premier League ready for VAR, are officials inadequately prepared, and how does FFP work in practice?
After another shambolic weekend of VAR, there was only one thing we could start with on today’s episode of Jules & Andy. As officials mishandle baffling clear decisions, we discuss the effect these mistakes has on players’ most visceral emotions while on the pitch and the lack of ... Show More
32m 36s
Oct 2023
Time to Scrap VAR?
After another horrendous weekend for VAR, Gary, Alan and Micah wonder if the time has come to scrap football’s video refereeing experiment. And if it does stay, how can it be improved? Plus, what’s it like in a toxic dressing room? And is Ollie Watkins England’s second best strik ... Show More
46m 42s
Jul 2025
Mark Clattenburg: From Death Threats to Champions League Final "Referees Aren't Seen As Human" (E360)
<p>Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has seen it all, from Champions League finals to handling the world’s biggest football stars under immense pressure. But behind the badge is a story shaped by survival, scrutiny, and sacrifice.</p><br><p>In this episode, Mark open ... Show More
1h 26m
Aug 2023
Referees Ruining The Premier League: Injustice, Red Cards and The Threat to Man City's Dominance
<p>Can you believe the sheer inconsistency of referees in Premier League matches? In this conversation, we cut through the noise and get to the heart of the matter. From Birmingham City's win and Manchester United's loss, we spotlight the glaring inconsistency and incompetence fr ... Show More
46m 35s
Aug 2023
VAR, Players as Referees and Big Club Bias
Will the fans ever get to hear what’s going on with VAR decisions? Should ex-players be helping referees? And is there really a ‘big club’ bias? The boys are joined by Howard Webb to discuss all matters referees and VAR. Howard also finally apologises to Alan for his decision th ... Show More
43m 46s
Nov 2023
Champions League and jeez, referees!
<p><br></p><p>Martin Samuel, James Gheerbrant and Jonathan Northcroft join Gregor Robertson for the Thursday edition of The Game.</p><p>Manchester United once again take centre stage. Free scoring, but also conceding freely too and dropping a two goal lead twice in Türkiye. &nbsp ... Show More
1h 13m
Jan 2025
United Set The New Standard, Shocking Refereeing & Newcastle Flying High
Is that the commitment and performance level Man United now have to match week after week? Was that one of the worst weekends for refereeing decisions we’ve seen for a while? Can Newcastle sustain this run of form and claim a Champions League place? Gary, Alan and Micah also dis ... Show More
47m 52s