Ref

He can’t be good: at best he’s “invisible”; at worst he’s “bought” (by both teams at the same time—rare feat). He whistles a foul: scandal. He doesn’t whistle: scandal. His absolute power: pull out a card and suddenly everyone remembers their manners… for 12 seconds.

He shows up all jasmine and elderflower: fragrant, almost diplomatic—the kind of guy who makes you believe everything’s going to be fine. Then verbena takes the whistle: sharp, dry, order restored in one second. And when the tension rises, spruce brings the stature: resinous, authoritative, it cools the complaining down. Finally pepper signs off on the decision: a last little sting, undeniable… “okay, it stung, but it’s clear.”