prevents him playing in italy. now, would you be a football referee? with threats of violence, and being constantly shouted at, it's putting many off picking up the whistle. a shortage means many games this weekend won't have a ref, with the behaviour of some clubs so bad, leagues have stopped them competing. combine that with covid, and attracting replacements is proving a real challenge. nesta mcgregor has been finding out more. a pregame check simon has performed hundreds of times. as wears his cards and 20 years worth of experience, something else he says he needs on the pitch, thick skin. all have no —— flax thrown down onto the floor. players ranting and