Poll declares war on divers

By Pete Sanderson

Experienced official
Poll, perhaps the most well known referee in England, has never been scared to say what he thinks. In fact it is not just Keane and Vieira who have felt his wrath. He has read the riot act to a number of Europe's top players and managers. But the Hertfordshire official prefers to be judged on the lighter side of his personality and off the pitch shares a good working relationship with the likes of Keane and the Irishman's manager at United, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Good voice
Poll was in typically good form when uefa.com caught up with him, sharing his thoughts on matters such as simulation and controlling players at the 13th UEFA Advanced Course for Elite and Premier Referees in the Cote D'Azur

uefa.com: What are your thoughts on the recent clampdown on simulation in football?

Graham Poll: It is an area which needs to be addressed. The problem stems from the fact that players are becoming very good at simulation. It is also clear we are not yet good enough at spotting it. There are penalties which should have been given this season which have not because referees have suspected simulation. But we are now doing our best to clamp down on this. We need to become better at differentiating between a dive and a genuine foul and better at using our assistants in these circumstances. Once we have achieved this, the game of football will be much better and a fairer spectacle.

uefa.com: Do you think player power is becoming too much of a threat on the pitch?

Poll: There are occasions when players go too far but I think if the official is strong it is something which we can control. I try to talk to players throughout the game and get a measure of just how they are feeling. If you ever feel they are out of control that is the time to take them aside and warn them about their discipline. They usually know when they are acting out of order and if they continue to do so then they will be cautioned or sent off.

uefa.com: There has been talk recently about the possibility of only allowing the captain of a team to talk to the referee. Can football learn from other sports such as hockey and rugby?

Poll: I think it is important to look at what we can learn from other sports but in this instance I think we should leave the ruling as it is. Part of the beauty of football is its individuality and I think the banter between players and referees is part of the culture.

uefa.com: Do you not get frustrated when players start hurling abuse at you?

Poll: You have to remember it is in the heat of a moment. It is nothing personal. The rugby ruling where teams can only voice their concern through captains would not have worked in the game between Arsenal and Manchester United because every time there was a major decision I would have had to run halfway across the pitch to speak to Vieira or Keane.