WATCH: Gillespie urges sea change on some "abysmal" refereeing in local game
Ex United, Newcastle and Glens star guests on Cool FM Facebook show
Last updated 1st Dec 2017
One of Northern Ireland’s best known football stars has been having his say on the standard of refereeing in the local game.
And Keith Gillespie does not mince his words.
In an exclusive interview with Downtown & Cool FM, the ex-Manchester United, Newcastle and more recently Glentoran winger, believes there has to be some accountability for poor decision-making.
He said: “Looking at the refereeing when I was playing over here I thought it was pretty abysmal.
“I don’t want to be too hard on them - it is a very difficult job
“You want refereeing to be as good as it can be – sometimes I don’t think referees are brave enough to make the decisions.”
Guesting on this week’s Cool FM Facebook Show, Gillespie said that due to a limited amount of TV coverage of games in Northern Ireland, referees were not scrutinised by the media to the same extent in other parts of the UK.
He was speaking after a recent call by Linfield for a full review by the IFA into refereeing here.
This followed an incident where defender Mark Stafford’s red card was rescinded.
During the show, the former Northern Ireland stalwart, also talks fondly of his spell at Glentoran after much of his professional life, spent at the top level in England.
Gillespie also urges the Glens to keep faith with manager Gary Haveron despite a poor season to date.
“With a club like Glentoran, expectations were always going to be high,” he said. “It is very difficult for Gary at the moment.
“I hope they give him time. It is a difficult job. The club needs a little continuity where you give managers to put their plans in place.”
Also on this week’s show is Ballymena defender Jim Ervin.
He tips Crusaders to win the title.
As usual, the show is hosted by Cool FM presenter, Pete Snodden with football writer Steven Beacom.
You can view the entire show (see below) on our Facebook page