Ex-refs chiefs blasts PGMOL over Arsenal vs Chelsea announcement: ‘Is there any accountability?’
Howard Webb and the PGMOL must take more accountability following Darren England’s appointment to Arsenal versus Chelsea.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee should be punished following his display at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
England was under plenty of pressure during the clash between Everton and Man United on Monday, 23 February, especially given some of the player brawls inside the penalty areas on Merseyside.
The referee was also not afraid to dish out yellow cards, with Jordan Pickford, James Tarkowski, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui and Bruno Fernandes all having their names taken.
Both sets of supporters will have left feeling frustrated, and Hackett feels that a suspension for the referee would have sufficed as punishment, rather than taking charge of Arsenal versus Chelsea.
PGMOL urged to punish Darren England after Everton-Man United
Premier League officials are criticised far more than they are praised, but with Webb continuing to protect his referees, frustrations are growing amongst fanbases in the top tier of English football.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “After the very poor performance of referee Darren England in last night’s Everton game, where his management of corner kicks was abysmal, he is rewarded with the Chelsea-Arsenal game.
“Do the PGMOL really think that his performance at Everton warranted a top appointment? You’ll recall Chris Kavanagh was stood down for his poor performance.
“We found out that, on Thursday, he was out in Europe. He is back officiating the Man United game. Is there any accountability? Are performances measured? Are appointments just made by stabbing a pin into a fixture list?”
Thomas Kirk given special recognition after Crystal Palace vs Wolves
Hackett praised referee Thomas Kirk following his display at Selhurst Park on Sunday, 22 February, despite the harsh sending off of Wolves defender Vadislav Krejci.
In the first half, it would have been very simple for Kirk to give Will Hughes his marching orders, crunching into another challenge while already on a yellow card.
Instead, he decided to take a lenient approach to keep all 22 players on the pitch, at least until the controversy surrounding Krejci, with the referee needing advice on this decision.
Farai Hallam also deserves more minutes in the Premier League, and he is likely to become a big name as Webb puts more trust in the official.