TREVOR Hanson's recent description of me as self-centred, condescending and sarcastic had me scouring the Yellow Pages for libel lawyers. That is until my wife calmly informed me his claims were all true. I thus plead guilty as charged. However, to tar my colleagues with the same brushes is akin to me labelling all players stupid, lacking in social graces and arrogance.

Trev's forthright opinions cannot be challenged. They are opinions and he is full entitled to voice them. My job in this column however, is hopefully to counter incorrect assertions and headlight any arguments which are seen to be flawed. In his last piece there were examples.

Firstly, the pronunciation that a tackle from behind is a red card offence. Not true. A foul lateral challenge from behind is deserving of a mandatory caution. It only warrants a dismissal if the official is convinced that the ball was an irrelevance and that disproportionate force was employed.

Paul Durkin is criticised for not clamping down on petty fouling and dissent at Bolton. Can't comment wasn't there. But the guy complaining is the same one who previously claimed the best refs are those you don't see. Looks like inconsistency to me.

I like Touchline Trev. He was always amiable when I refereed him and was a fine custodian of the goal area. He shares a passion with me to uphold standards in amateur football. I offer an invitation to him and any other player with a mistaken impression of the refereeing fraternity. Come to a meeting. Watch how we do things. Join in. You can even argue with us over a pint. Thursday night -- Queens Park WMC, Blackburn. You're all welcome, it's not a secret society.

Just answer one question for me honestly. If you refuse to discuss footballing issues with us can you ever again criticise referees with authority and legitimacy?