Farsley: Parsley baffled by ref’s rulings (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Farsley: Neil Parsley baffled by ref’s rulings

4:30pm Friday 5th October 2012 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Farsley manager Neil Parsley lamented the lack of common sense in the modern game as he reflected on last weekend’s derby at Garforth Town, which saw three players dismissed.

Parsley has witnessed plenty of changes during his many years in football. He was signed for Leeds United by Howard Wilkinson, played for West Brom – against a young Stan Collymore when the Baggies drew Southend in an FA Cup tie – and enjoyed a spell with Huddersfield Town.

There is not much the experienced Parsley has not seen in his decades as player, coach and manager – but he did not see a reason to show three men a red card last Saturday. His views have even more gravitas because two were to opposition players.

Parsley described the sendings off as “pathetic” at the time and he was still disappointed once the match-day adrenaline had receded, saying: “It’s just as well I’ve got no hair left because I would have torn it all out during that game.

“If these rules had been in place when I was playing, my career would have lasted ten years longer. I’d have picked up that many yellow cards that I’d have missed half of every season due to suspension!

“Three players sent off sounds bad but it was not that type of game. It was a derby and yes, a keen one, but there were no bad challenges and not even any backchat to the ref.

“There are so many cards given out in the game these days. I didn’t agree with giving two lads straight red cards for squabbling over the ball after a goal had been scored. It was not until they were heading down the tunnel that it kicked off. It could have been avoided.

“Another one of their lads went for a second yellow after kicking the ball away at a free-kick. Ryan Serrant also got booked for that but that was his only misdemeanour on the day.

“I know that is the rule these days but when it means sending a man off? Surely there should be a bit of discretion allowed for the referees; a chance for them to apply a bit of common sense.”