Voice of Reason, August 20th

Aug 20 2010 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THEY say referees are ruining the game.

They say common sense has left the building.

They say the lunatics are running the asylum.

Now it appears “they” are spot on.

Ayr United’s latest red card was a complete act of shambles.

You know it’s bad when the victim gets straight off the deck without appealing.

If you haven’t got your subscription to AUTV, I’d slap it in now.

For Saturday’s footage is a better comedy show than three hours of Frankie Boyle on DVD.

And you have to laugh - otherwise you’d greet.

The biggest disgrace is punters spending their hard earned cash to get in and watch that mince.

Mistakes happen. In every walk of life. But the standard of officiating at this level of the game has become truly X-rated.

Men in increasingly garish outfits determined to make a name for themselves.

And all because they have a whistle in their gob.

Sadly, it’s just one cog in a wheel of apathy for sickened supporters. And it won’t be improving any time soon.

TO matters of a far more worrying nature.

The VoR would say we need 100 per cent focus from every player this season.

But it’s clear we won’t be getting it, as my investigations have proved.

Check out this concerning dossier on William Easton.

Leading the double life of US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin, no less.

As well as starring on the left wing for the Honest Men, Stan has some big issues on his mind.

Like whether or not to give his captain’s pick to Tiger Woods.

For anyone in doubt, cast your eyes to the front of the classroom.

This pictorial evidence is as damning as it gets.

A DISASTROUS end to the cricket campaign for the heroes of Prestwick C.C

With the title in the bag at Hillhead on Saturday – and fans partying on the boundary – they conspired to throw it away.

A ninth wicket stand of 89 for the Glaswegians did the damage and condemned Prestwick to another year of village action.

Poor. Very, very poor. Lessons will be learned, no question about that.

Prestwick have some outstanding young talent, including Scotland star Ross Paterson.

And it’s been a thrilling ride through this wonderful summer.

But glorious failure doesn’t make legends. See you next year boys.

OVER to betting corner, where newbie Allan Haggo has roared from the blocks.

The veteran cricketer sits top of the table with a point following the opening exchanges.

Myself and Iain Ferguson are merely limbering up.

This weekend, Haggo goes Wigan 0, Chelsea 2. I see he’s being brave right off the bat.

Fergie pitches in with Hibs 2, Rangers 2. And the VoR says Ayr 2, Dumbarton 1.