Thanks Alex for puuting this on VSC. It's doubtful anything will help but it might heelp him to know we are behind him.

As with NY, I can only judge from videos. However, in over 60 years watching English foorball, it certainly is one of a few games when I'd say the winner was the referee.
Does anyone have an email for somewhere within the FA where our thoughts could get through to the people who count?

Hey Micky

You can go to FA.com and register a complaint throughthe customer relations e mail. You will have to register and get a password to do this.

Thanks for the information guys - I think it's certainly worth showing our backing for JR in this way.

Thanks, NY. I've got a FAN code. It took some time for the website to accept a USA telephone number, but I got there.

This is what I sent to the FA:

I've been a supporter of Doncaster Rovers since 1950 when I was 5 years-old. I now live in the USA and only see most games on video. In those 60+ years it is rarely when I've said "the referee won the game". However the recent Rovers vs. Portsmouth game that was the case. Three of the Pompey goals were the result of atrocious decisions, and the other was questionable (was the Rovers' defender fouled before Pompey scored?).
You have a case against our Chairman for the comments he made. My opinion of the FA will drop significantly if you fine a gentleman for telling the truth. Let's face it, most Pompey fans agree with John Ryan.
Refereeing at the last World Cup was erratic, but I expect better from the FA.
Mick Beard
Portland, Oregon

Waste of time mate...the FA do not, will not listen to fans...

Spartacus:
I agree, but I thought a "furriner" might get their attention!

I too have now submitted an e-mail in support of JR. I do not expect it to make any difference but that's no excuse for not speaking out. If enough of us do so, they may eventually have to take notice and start to introduce more accountability into the way games are officiated - I am not talking about honest mistakes here but refereeing performances such as the one we suffered against Portsmouth surely must be subject to proper investigation and sanction.

I got a reply from a Tracey Bates at the FA. After a few paragraphs of mainly BS, it finished with these two paragraphs:

"The National Group officiates in the Football League and is the responsibility of David Allison, Referees Manager at the Football League. Football League refereeing enquiries need to be addressed to David Allison, Referees Manager, The Football League, Edward V11 Quay, Navigation Way, Preston, PR2 2YF or at enquiries@football-league.co.uk

We do appreciate all of the feedback we receive from supporters. This feedback is collated and used to build a picture of public opinion and is subsequently fed back internally within the organisation. Please rest assured your comments will form part of this feedback process."

Maybe I'll waste more time and try and get through to David Allison!

It could help Micky he is from York if I remember correctly from when he was a referee.

For what it is worth i too have sent an enquiry to Mr Allison asking him whether the Referees Association would offer any support to JR when he is put before the Beak at the FA and whether Mr Russell was reprimanded following his inept performance.

Well, I got no response from the FA (so Micky, you did better than me)! Micky, Hound, did either of you get a response from Mr Allison?

Nothing so far, but i didnt expect it really, after all it is only the Rovers.
I notice that Owen Coyle got a bit of air time complaining about decisions that cost them the game on Saturday.

Bad news, John Ryan has been found guilty by the FA and fined £3000 + costs and received a warning.

Thanks Askern. I think we all knew that this would be the outcome but its still sickening. I haven't heard any acknowledgement from any official that the referee made poor decisions in that game. That, at least, would be something. When Wigan lost to Chelsea after 2 poor refereeing decisions, Roberto Martinez received a phone call of apology from the Head of Referees when it was widely expected that he would receive a FA charge. I think JR's response, the "dereliction of duty" statement was probably stronger than the Martinez response, but still. If Wigan were entitled to an apology, then Rovers definitely are!

On VSC they are suggesting a whip round to pay the fine. If the FA is like the Rug by Leaague, then the person, player or official has to pat their own fine. The club cannot pay a fine for someone, in a players case he is banned from playing until the fine is paid in full.

Should be pay their own fine. I need a keyboard with bigger letters.

maybe we can do a whip round to buy Mr Russell a new pair of glasses.

Do any of us know whether Russell has been getting games since the debacle at Donny?

He has drfchound.

Tranmere v Hartlepool and Crawley v Hereford. He made blunders in those games too.

It is a very well known fact that the English F A and FIFA bury their heads in the sand - No Corruption - No Racial Problems - Referss untouchable - Players allowed to swear and shout at Ref's and nowt said. Money money money. The fans get the dirty end (In this case I refer to JR as a fan) Games moved to suite TV and the F A say everything is fine. And FIFA?? Well let us see what a mess is made in the Euro Competition, it is obvious there is a need for technology but the Ivory Towers people would loose some power.

Sorry for the late response, but I also have not heard from Mr. Allison.

So it appears to be the case that there are no sanctions against the ref who has had a nightmare game.
He just carries on as if nothing has happened.

Exactly Hound, nothing has changed in all the years since Tony Coleman attacked referee JS Pickles of Stockport.

Thankfully, players from both sides were willing to go to court in his defence that the ref called to him as he was walking off. " Go forth and multiply, you dirty little illegitimate child." Because of that the ref gave up his court case, backed by the FA. That was fort odd years ago.