This Is Why The Clock Stops

Amongst items discussed at our January ‘Operations’ Meeting with the Club was a question that had been raised as to why the stadium clocks stop on 45 and 90 minutes and don’t continue for added time.

The answer, straight from The Football League states:

“The reason that Time Allowed is not permitted to be shown on stadium clocks is to prevent the referee from coming under unnecessary pressure if a  goal is scored or a controversial incident occurs in the period after normal Time Allowed has expired.  For example, if having indicated say three minutes, any additional delays force the referee to play in excess of that time, a winning goal or controversial incident may provoke adverse crowd reaction. 

Crowd enjoyment is one thing, adverse crowd reaction is another.  You will be aware that The FA Premier League and Football Association also follow the same policy.  Indeed UEFA policy on stadium clocks is as follows: “Clocks in the stadium showing the amount of time played may run during the match provided they are stopped at the end of the normal playing time in each half, i.e. after 45 and 90 minutes respectively.  This stipulation also applies in the event of extra time being played (i.e. after 15 minutes of each half).” 

In my opinion the current system allows a satisfactory compromise that addresses the spectator enjoyment element but allows the referee to be the sole judge of time, without jeopardising his position.”