THERE is a famous saying that little boys should be seen and not heard. Well, applying that to football then referees must be the proverbial ‘little boys’.

It is a real bugbear of mine that in the modern era of paid professional officials, they are still the only ones not asked about their impact on a match.

If players miss an open goal, they get asked about it; if managers get their tactics wrong, they are questioned. Why, then, are the men in black (or yellow or green) immune from such critique or grilling?

It is all down to their governing body – the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) Board – who do not allow their members into the limelight post-match, presumably to avoid any media hype with regards any controversial decisions.

But I am sure some would be willing to explain their decisions and it would be a welcome move as far as fans are concerned.

It would also allow them to defend themselves when criticised by irate managers.

Of course, they could always decline the offer but at least let them make their own decision.

They are denied the use of common sense so much on the pitch because of ever-changing laws and adjudicators sat in the stand giving them marks like each game is a driving test.

Forget the Highway Code, stick to the Football Code.

The referees may not have the chance to voice their views while still involved but it is often the case they can do when they hang up the boots.

One such ex-pro is locally-based Mark Halsey who starts a new weekly column in The Bolton News next Wednesday. I, for one, am looking forward to his take on those big calls.