Role of fourth official

[stokeimp]

In his post match interview Danny Cowley spoke of the "all night the fourth official made decisions for the referee"

I didn't think the fourth official had a particularly influential role in the goings on of the game, other than that relating to the touchline, ie thought it was the ref and two linesmen who made the decisions, but found this as one of the roles on the FA website

• He assists the referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game. The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play.

Any refs or others who can comment on this role??

 

[Jamesimp]

Before there was a 4th official the senior (red flag) linesman would take over reffing the game if the ref got injured. Now as far as I'm aware the 4th official continues. Normally all they do is handle the two benches and substitutions. They also keep a full match record. I can only imagine DC was of the impression he was in conversation with the ref all game on there mics?

 

[UnbelievableJeff]

He really needs to stop blaming the officials and look at his own selections, tactics and how the players played.

It is not cricket to blame the officials. We weren't good enough end of.