“Too many times, for me, we are getting hurt by referees who – in my opinion – aren’t capable of reffing at this level. It is costing us and it cost us again yesterday.”

EXETER City manager Gary Caldwell believes referees in League One are not up to standard after being on the wrong end of several contentious decisions in the New Year’s Day defeat at Wycombe Wanderers.

Caldwell watched from a vantage point in the stands as his team turned in an excellent, controlled first half performance in which they deserved more than they got at Adams Park.

The Grecians even thought they had gone in front when Ilmari Niskanen headed in at the back post from a corner kick, but many were left puzzled as to why the goal was disallowed by referee Scott Simpson.

Caldwell also watched on in disbelief as Vincent Harper was yellow carded despite winning a tackle, captain Josh Magennis was booked for talking to Simpson – as is his right as captain of the team – and Wycombe players escape punishment for equally robust challenges and twice shoving Exeter players into the advertising hoardings.

“We don’t know what the referee thinks and I think it is poor. I don’t know why I was sent off because the ref didn’t tell me at the time, he hasn’t told me after and yet too many times, for me, we are getting hurt by referees who – in my opinion – aren’t capable of reffing at this level. It is costing us and it cost us again yesterday.”

Let’s be honest, this isn’t just sour grapes. Caldwell is right and fans of all football clubs have been saying it for years – the standard of refereeing is shocking.

One look at Simpson’s LinkedIn profile tells you he is a “successful and hard working sales manager” by trade. That is his profession – not a full-time football referee. Is it right that, in a sport flushed with cash, a big business, important games and people’s livelihoods and professions are being decided by amateurs simply not god enough to do the job? It’s not like the FA can’t afford it.

I have recently experienced being a referee for my son’s football team when the appointed match official didn’t turn up through illness. No one stepped forward because no one wanted to be a referee and fearing the game would be postponed, I volunteered, but it wasn’t a fun job. Even for an Under-13s County Cup tie, people will tell you of mistakes they think you made, whilst parents/coaches of the other team will offer an alternative view.