Man City news: Ex-Fifa official slams chiefs for wasting £22m-a-year as controversy analysed
Keith Hackett fears the controversial Rodri handball decision in Everton’s loss to Man City last month could be decisive at both ends of the table.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Premier League and Fifa referee said the decision highlights that the standard of officiating has declined in the Premier League.
Rodri was not penalised after the ball struck his arm in the penalty area in the latter stages of Man City’s 1-0 win at Goodison Park on 26 February.
PGMOL managing director Mike Riley issued a personal apology to the Toffees after the controversial decision which angered Frank Lampard.
Hackett pointed the finger at the PGMOL and claimed English football is not seeing value for money on the “£22million” spent on referees every year.
“That decision could have major consequences on the top and bottom of the table the way things are going,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“Man City are just a point ahead of Liverpool while Everton are struggling.
“It highlights that the standards of officiating are not good enough. We moved to professional referees to improve the standards, standards of fitness which meant invoking a lifestyle in referees.
“But we have now got six referees over the age of 50 in the Premier League. It is a young man’s game. The quality of officiating has declined.
“The PGMOL are spending £22million per year on referees. For me, we are not seeing returns on that level of investment.”
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently one point ahead of Liverpool in the title race.
Everton are three points above the relegation zone.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Man City are ‘protected’ by £272million shield as 50 deals analysed.