Campbell demands change as controversial Man United player footage analysed
Kevin Campbell has called for referees to be stricter after Man United players swarmed referee Craig Pawson.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker said “it is not a good look” when multiple players argue with the officials at the same time.
Cristiano Ronaldo took the ball off Nick Pope and finished into an empty net during the second half of Man United’s goalless draw with Newcastle United on Sunday (16 October).
As shown on Sky Sports, Ronaldo and his United teammates swarmed around the referee Craig Pawson to argue their case for a goal to be given.
However, Pawson, who had his arm in the air throughout, did not agree.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the incident, Campbell said: “The referee is the master out there.
“He has the power to do whatever he needs to do to control the game.
“Football is emotional game. Players are going to push the boundaries if they are allowed. That is a fact. They are going to push the boundaries because of the emotion involved. It is up to the referees to deal with it.
“Craig Pawson did not deal with it at the weekend. He should have gone for the pocket. Warn them and if they keep going start booking them.
“The referee is trying to talk to them as they are all surrounding him. It is not a good look as far as I’m concerned.
“The fact of the matter is, the referee had not restarted the game. His hand was still up and he blew the whistle before Ronaldo put the ball in the net. It was never going to stand.
“Players try to get the edge. Referees need to control these situations.”
In other news, a source has revealed Bayer Leverkusen and Frankfurt have joined Man United in the race to sign a Rangers star.