Cricket Umpires generally have the respect of players and fans alike. That's because they are quite clearly impartial, almost always get decisions correct and have the benefit of a 3rd Umpire to instantly review if necessary.
Rugby Referees also generally have the respect of players and fans alike. That's because they are also quite clearly impartial, almost always get decisions correct, have the benefit of a 4th official to instantly review if necessary,and also have the benefit of being able to rely on the direct intervention of their Touch Judges.
Now then, lets look at the system that prevails within Professional Football and the current crop of PL referees. By common consensus their impartiality is often dubious, the majority get decisions wrong on a regular basis, and although they have the so-called benefit of a 4th official he seems to serve little other purpose than to keep time and check on substitutions. The 'Referee's Assistant' (linesman to most of us) is not allowed to encroach on to the field of play to 'assist' the referee. Furthermore, he/she doesn't usually flag until AFTER the referee has made the decision himself.
Finally, of course, the referee has no access to video technology during a game. His word is law, and anyone who disagrees may in restricted circumstances appeal to the FA, although the outcome of 99% of appeals is inevitably in favour of the referee's decision (which he is allowed to change as he sees fit with the benefit of constant television reviews and media pressure).
Little wonder that the credibility and respect for football officials has dropped to an all time low. Football could learn a lot from Cricket and Rugby, but then again most of us already knew that a long time ago.
