We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2023: Players, pundits and fans complain bitterly that referees are getting worse each season – but is that fair?
The Impossible Job: Inside the World of Premier League Referees
By William Ralston. Read by Simon Darwen. Support the Guardian today at theguardian.com/longreadpod. Why not listen to The Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast, out every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning and a host of special guests as they pick over the latest action from the Premier League and beyond.
Illustration: Guardian Design/Alamy/Shutterstock
Explore more on these topics: Premier League, The Audio Long Read, Video assistant referees (VARs), Referees.
