Moulin Rouge has introduced a new feature where we pay homage to the wonderful referee’s in this country and tell you exactly what is so good about them. First up, let us introduce to you, Mr E. Sheringham from London.
Known affectionately as Teddy, he has been around for some twenty years or so making 500 plus appearances and has been famous in the game for being one of the better referees. Highlights for him have included officiating in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, Euro 96, the 1999 FA Cup Final, 2002 League Cup Final and of course taking all the plaudits at the 1999 Champions League Final where he starred.
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Perhaps he will be most remembered in years to come as the pioneer of the new style of refereeing that is known as the “Actively Playing Referee” which has also attracted Dennis Wise, Paul Ince and Jason McAteer. It is a system that has been implemented by Sheringham and the others since they stepped down from the top level. In a totally unique style, Sheringham actually referees the same team each weekend, this season being West Ham. Not only does he referee them he is actually part of the XI that takes the field and plays the game.
He is ably assisted by a League supplied official who looks after the timing of the game and blowing the whistle. There are other minor decisions that the official is allowed to make, however Sheringham has the final say and is allowed to overrule on decisions such as booking opposition players, not sending off players on his own team, deciding that two or more rather unjust penalties should be awarded, deciding where free kicks should be taken and deciding that handball is actually allowed in the rules of the game. As well as this he gives the league ref guidance throughout the game, giving him a brief on what should and should not be done. The ability to run the game whilst being in the West Ham XI is used or is most effective when they are two or more goals down.
It is a new style of refereeing that hasn’t gone down too well in general. Most football fans believe that the league supplied referee should be given more authority and the right to disagree with the “Actively Playing Referee”. However, little or nothing is likely to be done by the FA due to the fact that Sheringham has been so successful in the past.
That said, Sheringham is a class referee and has changed the fortunes of his adopted side, West Ham, winning and drawing games that they would otherwise have lost. It is sure to catch on with any other “Actively Playing Referee” who does decide to step down to the lower leagues.
MOULIN ROUGE RATING: ***** (out of 5)