THE LIST: Graham Poll's top 50 football referees - Nos 20-11
Referee's are often singled out for all the wrong reasons. Criticised for giving a goal that should never have stood, analysed after sending players off and lambasted by irate managers for costing their side a crucial result.
But what about the men - and women
(as Amy Rayner recently showed) - in the black who have made the right
judgment calls in the big matches, when it matters?
Here, Sportsmail columnist - and former FIFA and Barclays Premier League match official - Graham Poll pays homage to the men in the middle who have stood out for all the right reasons.
Today we continue with Nos 20-11, pinpointing
their career highlights with the whistle.
And don't forget to post your
comments below until the top 10 is revealed on Friday.
20 Carlos Simon
Brazil (World Cup 2002, 2006, 2010)
Yellow peril: Brazilian referee Carlos Simon shows his cards at the World Cup
19 Javier Castrilli
Argentina (World Cup 1998)
On the cards: Former Chelsea star Dan Petrescu is cautioned by Javier Castrilli
18 George Courtney
England (World Cup 1986, 1990. UEFA Cup Finals 1982, 1986)
17 Alexis Ponnet
Belgium (1987 European Cup Final, 1980 and 1985 UEFA Cup Finals)
Hands up: George Courtney had a distinguished career with the whistle
Dane for: Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen is sent off by Ponnet
16 Markus Merk
Germany (EURO 2004 Final, 2003 Champions League Final)
Two card trick: German ref Markus Merk displays his authority in the Bundesliga
15 William Ling
England (1948 Olympic Games, 1951 FA Cup Final, 1954 World Cup Finals)
14 Edgardo Codesal
Mexico (1990 World Cup Final)
Golden age: William Ling oversees the handshakes in the 1951 FA Cup Final
Centre stage: Codesal took control of England's 5-0 win over USA in 1986
13 Romauldo Arppi Filho
Brazil (1986 World Cup Final)
12 Said Belqola
Morocco (1998 World Cup Final)
Final encounter: Both Belqola and Elizondo (R) have reffed the World Cup Final
11 Horacio Elizondo
Argentina (World Cup Final 2006
The best of the rest of The List
Sportsmail's top 50 unlikely sporting heroes
Sportsmail's top 50 golden oldies in British football
Sportsmail's top 50 Premier League players of the decade
Sportsmail's top 50 last-gasp goals in British football
Sportsmail's top 50 footballers never to play at the World Cup
Sportsmail's top 50 sporting feuds of all time
Sportsmail's 50 great sports photographs
Sportsmail's top 50 commentators of all time
Sportsmail's top 50 sporting venues
Sportsmail's top 50 performers of the season so far
Sportsmail's top 50 all-time managers in Britain
Sportsmail's top 50 goal poachers
Sportsmail's top 50 footballing traitors
Sportsmail's top 50 FA Cup heroes
Sportsmail's greatest Wembley finals in history
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Sportsmail's top 50 British & Irish Lions
Sportsmail's top 50 Ashes heroes
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