Jack Ross: "There should be a good relationship between referees and managers. There is in some cases but in others there isn’t"

Opening up better lines of communication between managers and referees could help to take the sting out of matchday interactions, according to Hibs gaffer Jack Ross.

Lending his support to Aberdeen counterpart Derek McInnes’ calls for a reprise of the previous gathering between coaches and officials, which was hosted by SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell at McDiarmid Park just over two years ago, the Easter Road boss agreed that it should not be a case of ‘them and us’.

In a week when Motherwell’s Graham Alexander and Rangers’ Steven Gerrard were sent to the stand, both McInnes and Ross said there was a need for greater understanding and respect between the two parties.

“In normal circumstances, it is something that would be more than worthwhile," said Ross. “I think with anything, the longer you go without dialogue between stakeholders, the more potential there is for a disconnect between them in all aspects of the game.

Hibs manager Jack Ross with referee Craig Napier and his officials during after the recent league match against Hamilton at Easter Road. Photo by: Craig Williamson/SNS Group

“I think there are some officials who do communicate better, but equally there are times where we as managers don’t communicate in the most appropriate manner. I think the more opportunity you have to express frustrations and concerns, or explain your own behaviour or your actions, the better. So, I think what Derek said is absolutely right in terms of the opportunity for dialogue.

“There should be a good relationship between referees, coaches and managers and there is in some cases but in others there isn’t and we have to take responsibility for that but so do the officials and I think that if both parties are willing to recognise that then it’s healthier for the game in general.

“I don’t always speak to officials in the correct manner. I try to do so but I don’t. I’m in a highly emotive job, so I think the best officials are the ones that understand that. We’re in a high pressure role and we're passionate about what we do.

“There is a line that can be crossed but I think that if there is a lack of understanding that you are going to get upset at times then it’s not a great starting point.

“Some do it better than others but that’s because some people are better communicators than others. It should never be seen as a ‘them and us’ situation.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.