I wonder if there has been an overall directive which the referees are just trying to follow.

Both teams then stood motionless as the referee tried in vain to get both teams to start the game.

He said the referees were trying to control the game.

The referee tried to restart the game with substitutes to replace injured players, but Cork refused.

It lessens the danger that the referee might try to start playing.

Goldust realized the referee was out and tried to revive him.

The referee tried various things, the last hope was to scare him away with a firework but the game was abandoned.

The referee tried to stop her, but Taylor hit him too causing her to be disqualified.

The referee tried to help him but failed.

Fish appeared to be the most angry when the referee tried to mediate.