Warning: Scottish fans who threaten referees by phone face prison

by Ewan Murray
guardian.co.uk


The referee Willie Collum received threatening phone calls to his home after Sunday's match between Celtic
and Rangers. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA

Scottish football fans who make threatening phone calls to referees could be punished by up to five years in prison, the procurator fiscal has said.

It has been revealed that Willie Collum, the referee for Sunday's Old Firm derby, received threats in calls made to his home after Rangers beat Celtic 3-1 at Parkhead.

Scott Pattison, the director of operations for the crown office and procurator fiscal service, said today: "There have been reports in the media which allege that the referee in Sunday's Old Firm game and his family have received threatening phone calls.

"Lest there be any misunderstanding, conduct of this nature constitutes a criminal offence which is punishable by imprisonment. New legislation under the Criminal Justice and Licensing Act came into force on 6 October and created a new offence of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

"This offence covers telecommunications and, if convicted on indictment, carries a sentence of up to five years' imprisonment or a fine or both. Those who commit such offences will face the full rigour of the law."

Another official, Dougie McDonald, will learn on Friday if any action is to be taken regarding his performance during Celtic's win at Dundee United 10 days ago. The reversal of a penalty award to Celtic during that encounter has caused ructions, with the assistant referee involved already having tendered his resignation.

The matter has been passed to the Scottish FA's referee committee, which includes six former referees in a seven-man panel. McDonald is regarded at this stage as unlikely to have any serious sanction imposed on him.

original article

Everyone Except Referee Steratore Knows the Dolphins Recovered Roethlisberger Fumble

by Jason Lisk @ The Big Lead

When Ben Roethlisberger fumbled into the end zone on third down with a little over two minutes left, the game result hung in the balance. Though the play was called a touchdown on the field, the ball was clearly fumbled forward by Roethlisberger before he crossed the goal line. On review, referee Gene Steratore overturned the call on the field regarding the touchdown, and ruled that Ben Roethlisberger did fumble before crossing the line. That’s when it got crazy. The ball bounced into the end zone, and bodies (specifically, three Dolphins covered by Steeler players) fell on the ball in a pile. Here’s the video.

The problem was that referee Gene Steratore did not see indisputable video evidence of who recovered the fumble. I believe that the rule at issue is contained in Rule 15, Section 9 under “Reviewable Plays”. Note 1 says “If the ruling of down by contact or incomplete pass is changed, the ball belongs
to the recovering player at the spot of the recovery of the fumble, and any advance is nullified.” Note 2 states “If the Referee does not have indisputable visual evidence as to which player recovered the loose ball, the ruling on the field will stand.” Now, there was “officially” no ruling on the field in regard to who recovered, since a touchdown was signaled and then overturned.

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RefYouSuck.com helping kids play hockey

Ref You Suck™ Helping Kids Play Hockey


For Immediate Release

Orange County, Ca (Oct. 19, 2010) - Orange County based apparel company, Ref You Suck™, has found many of it's biggest fans on and around the ice rink. As a way to give back to the sport that has helped them grow into the company they are today, Ref You Suck™ has made a commitment to donate $3 of every T-shirt sold to the Assist2Play Fundraiser.

Founders of Ref You Suck™ recently met a talented, dedicated, and hardworking hockey player who has played his whole life and currently plays for the Long Beach Bombers, a Jr. ‘A’ team. This level of hockey requires a significant amount of funding each season to play. Due to the bad economy, his parents can no longer afford to support his dream and passion of becoming a professional hockey player. Ref You Suck™ decided to help by hiring him in order to assist with financing his dream. This lead to the Assist2Play Fundraiser.

Ref You Suck™ will now donate $3 to Assist2play every time we sell a t-shirt! You can also donate directly to the fund here. We hope you can help us make a difference in this young athletes career. Let's keep him on the ice, donate today!

About Assist2play

Sports provide a healthy physical outlet for kids, teaching them lifelong character building skills. Unfortunately, many kids are unable to play sports due to financial hardships. Assist2Play Fundraiser was created to help well deserving kids in Orange County participate in the sports they love in order to provide them with the opportunity to gain important life skills. Let’s assure more kids get to keep playing. Any donation, large or small, is greatly appreciated!

Play Today For A Successful Tomorrow
Click here to donate!

press inquiries:

Brian Gilmore

714.454.5462

brian@refyousuck.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

refyousuck.com

Ref You Suck models wanted!

We are currently looking for a few local girls to help us out with some modeling. You will be wearing some of our t-shirts and various team jerseys. These pics will be used for marketing, posted on our website and also youtube. If you think you have what it takes- email your pic to info@refyousuck.com (all pics will be taken in a park by a female photographer) If you live outside of southern CA and want to send some sexy pics of yourself wearing your favorite team jersey, send to the same address. (please send high quality 300DPI images if you want us to use them!) Please keep the pics rated PG! Not looking for anything too scandalous!