MY big wish for the New Year is that referees somehow regain control of the game.
They cannot do this on their own. They need the backing of the FA and Premier League through rules and regulations.
And through managers with their actions and words.
Should they not get that help, the game is in danger of descending into chaos � if it has not already reached there.
It seems every free-kick and corner now has to be delayed as the ref sorts out players pushing and jostling. Every foul is questioned.
A penalty cannot be given without the referee being harangued.
If a poor linesman gives an offside decision, he gets a mouthful from the player flagged.
Slag them off
Then, having done their best to get decisions right in a sport that gets faster by the year, the officials have their performances verbally attacked by one or both managers.
If that is not enough, they will drive home, turn on the radio and hear some anorak slag them off again in one of the interminable phone-in programmes.
Now let us get this right. No referee goes out to favour one side or the other. No linesman wants to disallow a goal for the joy of raising his flag.
I suggest that in the pre-season all managers are forced to referee a game and then have it analysed. They might realise how easy it is to make a mistake and have a bit of sympathy.
I do not necessarily want to see referees get more hardline.
But it is right, for example, that the two-footed tackle should get a straight red.

Football is, though, an entertainment industry and two sides going down to 10 men or one to nine does not help.
So I think referees should be able to cite players after games for future bans for things like dissent, foul and abusive language and cheating.
Managers could also play their part by just belting up, instead of standing in their technical area having a go at the officials.
In fact, why not get rid of that technical area altogether?
If the players do not know what they are doing by the first whistle, when will they?