Referees to Become Graffiti Artists

Football’s march into the modern era continues apace – whether the game’s purists like it or not. Consider a new aerosol spray that is being promoted to help referees mark out the correct distance for a defensive wall to set up during a free-kick. The spray, which was invented by a company with the very catchy name of 9.15 Fair Play Limit, is actually a white foam that disappears between 45 seconds and two minutes after it hits the ground. Referees would carry around the spray in a small plastic container attached to their waistband. According to Reuters News, it’s already in use in Argentina’s first division and will be deployed in this year’s Copa Sudamerica, Latin America’s equivalent of the Europa Cup. And earlier this month, the spray got Sepp Blatter’s seal of approval for universal use (although, granted, that might also be the kiss of death.) We say that if it ensures proper distances for a defensive wall, then that’s a good thing. It will likely mean more room for kickers to bend and dip their shots into the back of the net. But if this spray merely slows down the game as referees fumble to meticulously measure and draw the perfect line, then we can do without it, thanks.

Play to the whistle?