There was much discussion over lunch at the regular meeting of the Gold Members yesterday. The topic? Should there be a more efficient way of deciding whether or not a game should go ahead if there is a danger of a frozen pitch? Several ideas were put forward. Using a key or a probe instead of the referee testing the ground with his studs seemed to be the most popular.
I have a much better suggestion. If a female referee carried out the inspection the solution would be obvious. If her stiletto heels sink into the ground, the pitch is perfectly playable!
Seriously, from a female perspective, I am very pleased that Sky have taken the necessary action to sack their presenter and commentator. I have heard the argument that similar comments would be aired at any football match. That is nonsense. The same could have been said for racist comments in the past. Legislation and education have ensured that we no longer have to put up with behaviour like that. Racism and sexism have no place in society and football should reflect the views of society.
I know, from watching at least 40 games a season, that the majority of men do not fully understand the ins and outs of offside. Any woman who is qualified to referee or run the line at League level will be as competent as any of her male counterparts. In fact women probably have to prove that they are better than the men. The level of fitness they have to achieve to be on the League List would be unattainable for most supporters.
I suspect that there is an element of fear in all this – fear that football will be yet another male bastion that women have invaded.
Lissie Wilkins
