"If referees try to treat us like children, then how can they expect cooperation?

"Players who have never done anything wrong on the field before are suddenly finding themselves sent off for a petty offence.

"They must be wondering just what the game is coming to.

“Referees are not using any degree of thought.

"They are just going ahead with their actions without thinking about the consequences.

“It's time they realised we are the professionals and they are the amateurs."

“You just can't talk to them any more.

"They should understand that we do sometimes lose our tempers ... it's only natural.

“The game is all about aggression and commitment, and referees don't realise the pressures and stresses we go through during a game.

“They should make allowances, but instead they have been given a set of silly rules— and are using them to the letter."

Dennis Mortimer.