Good work by my brother here...
"Dear Sir/Madam
Please can you advise me of the process for claiming a refund of my travel expenses incurred from Switzerland to Brighton following my attendance of the Brighton vs. Plymouth game yesterday.
I wish to claim a full refund following the appointment of Mr Andy Hall to referee the game.
Whilst I can accept that mistakes can be made by anyone, I feel the appointment of Mr Hall was negligent by the league given that
- Mr Hall was visibly overweight
- Mr Hall lacked the apparent training in teamwork and taking team decisions.
My request is particularly following the dismissal and penalty decision taken by Mr Hall without consultation his assistant who was in an excellent position to see any “incident”. I am very disappointed that this single decision had repercussions on the entertainment of the game, the result of the game and also the development of a young professional.
I am not expressing an opinion on whether this was the correct decision or not. The decision should have been made following a discussion with the far better placed official and then I could have fully endorsed any outcome. It was particularly disappointing given that the assistant had earlier stood out by correctly signaling a goal on a ball crossing over the line.
I look forward to hearing your procedures for all claims and please advise me when the match will be replayed as surely this result is now void.
Yours,
Dr Colin Hayward MB BS, MFPM "
"Dear Dr Hayward
We are in receipt of your communication and would advise that there is no process for claiming a refund of your expenses.
Officials undertake a stringent fitness test, which Mr Hall passed.
A referee does not have to consult with his assistants, in accordance with the Laws of Association Football, he is the ultimate authority on the field of play.
Other than advising that the result stands, there is nothing further I
can add.
Patricia Brown
Customer Services
The Football League Limited"
"Dear Sir/Madam
Please can you advise me of the process for claiming a refund of my travel expenses incurred from Switzerland to Brighton following my attendance of the Brighton vs. Plymouth game yesterday.
I wish to claim a full refund following the appointment of Mr Andy Hall to referee the game.
Whilst I can accept that mistakes can be made by anyone, I feel the appointment of Mr Hall was negligent by the league given that
- Mr Hall was visibly overweight
- Mr Hall lacked the apparent training in teamwork and taking team decisions.
My request is particularly following the dismissal and penalty decision taken by Mr Hall without consultation his assistant who was in an excellent position to see any “incident”. I am very disappointed that this single decision had repercussions on the entertainment of the game, the result of the game and also the development of a young professional.
I am not expressing an opinion on whether this was the correct decision or not. The decision should have been made following a discussion with the far better placed official and then I could have fully endorsed any outcome. It was particularly disappointing given that the assistant had earlier stood out by correctly signaling a goal on a ball crossing over the line.
I look forward to hearing your procedures for all claims and please advise me when the match will be replayed as surely this result is now void.
Yours,
Dr Colin Hayward MB BS, MFPM "
"Dear Dr Hayward
We are in receipt of your communication and would advise that there is no process for claiming a refund of your expenses.
Officials undertake a stringent fitness test, which Mr Hall passed.
A referee does not have to consult with his assistants, in accordance with the Laws of Association Football, he is the ultimate authority on the field of play.
Other than advising that the result stands, there is nothing further I
can add.
Patricia Brown
Customer Services
The Football League Limited"