Notell said:Nope. But they are a soft target. Is there anyone else in the game who is critisised without fear of being answered back?
Any critisicim of a player is always tempered with praise (eg "That's not in his game" or "He has been trying hard all game he must be tired. He can be forgiven for that dropped ball.")
Another double-standard: referee makes an honest error. He is bashed from pillar to post for it, with no chance of reply. A player cheats when claiming a try or stripping a ball, and is commended for his gamesmanship.
Good reply.
I'll agree with your comments,that referees make honest mistakes and I won't accuse them of cheating. Some of them, however, let their emotions get the better of them when for all intensive purpose their job is not to. I know its nothing preconceived, and it evens out in the end.