Refereeing decisions over the years, around the footballing world, have generated controversy on the pitch and in the media. Premier League referees have been no different. Over the years, we have witnessed multiple controversies arise. The controversies have only grown in number. This is despite VAR (Video Assistant Referee) being introduced a few seasons ago across Europe. This season, Manchester United have been in the firing line of multiple Premier League refereeing mishaps. Frustration continues to grow amongst officials at the club. Manchester United have requested a meeting with PGMOL president, Howard Webb.
Premier League referees mishaps
It is imperative that players and managers get to play their games without external forces disturbing their match outputs. Because it is very well known that the Premier League is the most intense league to compete in on the planet. However, this season, Manchester United have been the victims of controversial decisions from Premier League referees. Those decisions have derailed their season.
Last week, Manchester United hosted Bournemouth in an extremely intense game. Bournemouth player Semenyo clutched Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot in the neck during a heated moment. According to the rule book, that is an offense that deserves a red card. We have also seen players being sent off for that exact offense multiple times over the years. However, Semenyo was only shown a yellow card. This triggered an uproar of disagreement from Manchester United fans.
Man Utd bosses fed up with Premier League referees
The Semenyo incident was only one of many refereeing controversies that have involved Manchester United. Because one incorrect call could lower a club’s standing in the standings, it is imperative that Premier League referees make accurate calls. Next season, Manchester United will keep up their unrelenting pursuit of a spot in Europe. But these errors made by the Premier League referees are just not ideal.
That is exactly why the big names that control the club aren’t one bit happy. That is why they have requested a meeting with PGMOL president Howard Webb. This meeting will likely happen in the new year. It will contain discussions regarding the Premier League referees. The club officials feel that a majority of decisions this season have gone unfairly against them. What has further added to their frustration is how these decisions continue to bring their progress to a halt in the Premier League table.
Mark Clattenburg criticises Man Utd
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has shared his opinions regarding this issue. “All clubs are having issues with referees’ decisions, and they know each place they move up the Premier League is worth over ÂŁ1 million. The league this season is as tight as it’s ever been, and each win can move many places. We saw two seasons ago when Nottingham Forest complained; it had a negative impact on the club. When one of the biggest clubs complains about the standard of refereeing, this will create problems in the Premier League and PGMOL. In the world we are living in now, we cannot accept mistakes that have a financial impact on the clubs.” Clattenburg said when speaking to United In Focus.
Alan Shearer about refereeing against Man Utd
Premier League icon and current pundit Alan Shearer has also joined in to criticise the Premier League referees. “That was a clear red card. The decision was awful… Collins should definitely have been sent off. No question. United suffered for it, having to face 11 men, and the game swung from that moment,” Alan Shearer said when talking about Manchester United’s controversial loss against Brentford.Â
Conclusion
As the club officials choose to take extreme steps to ensure their season doesn’t get disturbed by refereeing decisions, the fans can only hope things get better. Manchester United face Aston Villa on Sunday. Manager Ruben Amorim will look to grab all three points from the fixture.
As featured on ManUNews.com
