we always get shite refs we always get shite refs

[derbydan]

The referee chosen to oversee England's first World Cup game against the USA was suspended by his national federation, reported to FIFA and branded a 'scoundrel'.

Carlos Simon, the Brazilian official, was suspended last season by his national federation after a number of perceived errors, which led to the president of Palmeiras describing him as "a crook, a scoundrel and a shameless barsteward."

Luiz Gonzago Belluzzo said: "He must be in someone's pocket. If I met him in the street, I would slap him. What he did was unbelievable and he was helping Fluminense. He should be driven out of football."

The errors were considered so serious that he was banned for the final month of the domestic season

In addition, Flamengo wrote to FIFA in 2009 demanding Simon be withdrawn from consideration for the World Cup, after he sent off striker Diego Tardelli for diving, when he appeared to be fouled.

Flamengo were denied a place in the Copa Libertadores by the subsequent defeat, and were so incensed they sent a DVD of the game to FIFA.

They told FIFA: "The video evidence collected and hereby submitted - attesting the unambiguously inconsistent, unfair and inequitable technical performance of Mr Simon - provides the Fifa referees' committee with a factual account to illustrate the risks of retaining (Simon) in the list of referees for the 2010 World Cup. Flamengo has done this for the sake of good order and for the good of the game."

Simon refereed at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, and took charge of England's opening group game against Sweden in the former.

[Day]

Be alreet if he's got a bet on England to win

[Boycie]

Barsteward? never knew it was an international term?