Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes has
revealed he would like to see the introduction of European referees
in the Premier League.
Hughes believes the idea could improve respect for match
officials.
He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Maybe referees that ply their
trade week-in, week-out become too familiar with certain players
and certain teams.
"Inevitably it will cloud their judgement, so the option of
European referees could possibly be looked at." <!-- E SF
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After viewing the refereeing performance of Dutchman Peter Vink
during Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final, first leg against
Liverpool, the Blackburn manager admitted he is more encouraged by
the continental approach.
He said: "I think the first thing we said was how many cards
would there have been in a Premier League game?
"But, you saw the demeanour of the players. I think they
accepted free-kicks and got on with it, so I thought it was a more
refreshing game in that respect."
Hughes believes the idea of captains being the only players on
the pitch to have verbal contact with referees may be worth
trying.
"There has to be some barriers to who has the opportunity to
speak to referees during the actual game," added Hughes.
"It's maybe a case that we should introduce European referees to
the Premier League and our referees referee in other European
countries."