Offside Speakers: Music in the Referee’s Domain

This football referee had another baffling experience last weekend.

While it is quite common these days as a ref to be located next to a team's changing room and hear loud music blasting away before a game, I find it rather weird to experience this being copied by referees.

Picture this: upon entering my dressing room, I noticed a few small bags, none of which resembled the typical referee bags. However, upon my return from the actual game, there was an additional large roller bag, from which a fellow referee was meticulously selecting shirts and socks.

Initially, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. But what truly surprised me was the Bluetooth speaker, blaring loud music. As I changed clothes and took a shower, he made no apologies for effectively claiming the locker room as his own.

While I can appreciate that being alone or accompanied by two assistant referees might make such a practice acceptable, I find it rather inappropriate in a shared space.

I mustered the courage to ask him if the music was indeed his, but my astonishment left me unable to make any further comments. Fortunately, he departed after a mere five minutes, allowing me to regain some semblance of peace. And reflect upon the game that I just ended in a good fashion.

While I can appreciate that being alone or accompanied by two assistant referees might make such a practice acceptable, I find it rather inappropriate in a shared space. I should have issued a yellow card.