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Individual Questions

Martin Atkinson

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Appointed to the Select Group Referees list in 2005. Appointed to FIFA International Referees list in 2006.

Week 5

David Martyn, England

Will you be watching Euro 2008? And if so, is there anything you can learn from the tournament? Either in the way of the officials performance or any new 'tricks' players use to bend rules next season?

I am watching the Euro 2008 tournament. I'm looking forward to seeing my friend and colleague Howard Webb referee his first game of the tournament on Thursday evening. There is obviously the chance to watch the elite referees in Europe performing on the highest stage. It's an ideal opportunity to watch and learn from those referees.

Bryan Jenkins, England

Do you think that football will ever get to the point of having a fourth official on the pitch, eg one referee in each half as well as two linesmen?

I can't see in the immediate future another official being introduced on the field of play, one in each half. The general complaint we get is that we aren't consistent as referees and adding another to make decisions on the field of play could fuel this argument further.  

Brendan McCarthy, Ireland

What is the biggest decision you made this season?

The biggest decision? There are numerous we have to make during the season so to pick one out is almost impossible. We make hundreds of decisions each game, some seen by our actions, others not seen but made. To single one out from so many games is not possible. 

Willie Browne, Scotland

What do you think of the Scottish FA's decision to scrap their Whistleblower website when you have not long launched your site?

To be perfectly honest I didn't know the SFA had scrapped their website. I really couldn't comment why but they obviously have their reasons for this.