A proposal pitched by Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick could see referees train with Premier League players as a way of improving relations.
According to the Daily Mail, the Manchester United Interim manager told a recent summit between managers and refs’ boss Mike Riley that officials should train with clubs to allow players to get to know them, rather than just seeing them during matches.
Rangnick believes that the initiative will improve the performance of the top-flight officials by incorporating the refs and having them go through their paces with clubs.
This could also assist in building rapport between the two groups when match day arrives.
Rangnick’s views were backed by the rest of the attendees who agreed refs should be given access to the elite-level facilities at Premier League clubs.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) who are responsible for organising the referees in the Premier League said they are keen to have their refs use the elite-level facilities at clubs.
Rangnick’s proposal is currently being reviewed by the PGMOL.
The initiative dubbed the ref revolution may come into realization as early as next season. The Ref Revolution would also help players get a better understanding of the role referees play.
Rangnick believes bringing on board referees Anthony Taylor, Michael Oliver and Kevin Friend into club training grounds would allow them to get to know players potentially break down the negative preconceptions
The details of the revolution are yet to be publicised.