Newcastle United news: Ex-Fifa official points the finger at chief as Callum Wilson speaks out
Keith Hackett has pointed the finger at Professional Game Match Officials chief Mike Riley after Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson criticised the standard of refereeing in England.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Fifa and Premier League official said “a lack of leadership and direction” is to blame for “declining” standards.
Newcastle’s goalless draw with Man United on 16 October was characterised by controversial decisions.
Both sides believe they were denied clear penalties in the game at Old Trafford.
As quoted by Football 365 (19 October), Wilson said the standard of officiating is getting “embarrassing.”
He revealed a Man United player asked him about the declining standards of refereeing during the 0-0 draw.
When asked by Football Insider for his reaction to Wilson’s comments, Hackett said: “The decline in refereeing standards has been over a period of years.
“I think it is down to a lack of leadership and direction from Mike Riley. He changed a lot of the systems which I put in place, which he had a right to do, but I don’t think it has achieved the right outcomes.
“The other thing is, some of the referees have aged. They look and perform in a tired manner. The succession planning is beginning to work but it wasn’t working for a number of years. We now have a relatively new group of referees who are learning their craft.
“There is a lack of accountability. I can understand why the players have made comment about the referees performance.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire expects Newcastle United to emulate Sunderland after an overseas development.