Pep Guardiola will be furious at Premier League announcement for Man City vs Burnley
Pep Guardiola is vying to get Manchester City back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday.
In their last top-flight game, Man City were held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s 93rd minute equaliser.
Consequently, Guardiola’s men already sit eight points behind league leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table.
Amid Man City’s efforts to enjoy a successful campaign, Erling Haaland has returned to the training ground despite injury fears.
Rob Jones named referee for Man City vs Burnley
The Premier League have confirmed that Man City’s upcoming clash with Burnley will be refereed by Rob Jones.
That development should anger Guardiola, because when his side drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last December, Rico Lewis was wrongfully sent off by Jones.
The Man City defender was shown a second yellow card by the referee, who had adjudged that the 20-year-old fouled Trevoh Chalobah.
However, footage showed that Chalobah had actually caught Lewis in the challenge, but VAR could not overturn Jones’ decision as it was a yellow card.
Rob Jones selection highlights ‘lack of thought’, says ex-PGMOL chief
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Premier League’s decision to appoint Jones for the clash between Man City and Burnley, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett said: “Frankly, the appointment of Rob Jones to officiate this game highlights the lack of thought going into the appointment process.”
“When in office I took great care to monitor the history of an official and exposure to any one club. I want to first highlight that this weekend Referee Jarred Gillett will officiate his fourth game involving Arsenal.
“Yes, referee or VAR it is still in an officiating capacity. So, in the case of Rob Jones I would not question his integrity and his ability to officiate.
“However with a little thought and a good software programme, Howard Webb can have information at his fingertips to determine which in-form official is appointed to which game.
“Given the performance last weekend of (Stuart) Attwell and (Peter) Bankes, they would be the first officials that would be on the radar to be appointed. There are other games that Jones could be appointed to in the 10-match programme.“
Guardiola will be hoping no more controversial decisions go against his side this weekend as Man City aim to climb up the table.