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The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they do not know the game.

You don't notice the referee during the game unless he makes a bad call.

I play the game as honestly as I can. If the referee gives a penalty there is nothing you can do.

If there were no rules about when to applaud, we in the audience would have the right response almost always.

Coaches will do what they can but it doesn't necessarily bother me. You are an international referee for a reason. If things like that are going to ruffle your feathers, don't bother doing the job.

Damn referees, I'll miss them less than anybody.

Once the referee throws the ball in the air, it's either your ball or their ball and you have to just take your shot.

Trouble is, we call politics a game, but it isn't one. There is no referee, and the teams make up the rules as they go along. You can't cry foul or offside in politics. Almost anything goes.

There's nothing like making a decision when you're a football referee. It really pushes you to be very clear - to make that decision and to sell it to everybody who's there. You believe in it, but you have to make sure other people believe in it, too.