Click to enlarge, and debate the strip below the line.
Keith Hackett's verdict
1) Goal. You are considered part of the field of play – so, just as there'd be no reason to stop the game if a player leaned on a goalpost to stay upright, there's no reason to stop the game if he leans on you. Only if the player was in any way violent or displaying dissent, or stopped you doing your job, would there be an issue. Peter Ronson wins the shirt.
2) There are two main issues here. First, you shouldn't be making up new uses for the foam – it's only there for free-kick management. Second, you don't need dramatic gestures to deter dissent – you just need firm, consistent sanctions. I would always look to caution any player guilty of dissent, and I would always report any incident where three of more players surrounded me – which would most likely lead to an FA charge. As for the manager – well, he may have a point, but any managerial dissent should also be reported. Thanks to Ralf Simmons.
3) Your suspicions may be valid, but you cannnot act on them. Spectator safety is paramount, and the decision is with the police and stadium officials, who would not want to risk disorder by allowing the game to kick off with fans locked out. You should report the delay to all stakeholders, including the league – and, if the delay goes beyond an hour, postponement is likely. Thanks to John Layman.
Competition: win a T-shirt of your choice
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