Sheffield United is the latest Premier League club to suffer at the hands of the league’s infamous referees. Yesterday, the team lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur in extra time, due to some controversial decisions made by the referee. This is not the first time in the Premier League that such a thing has happened.
This season itself has seen a rise in controversial decisions. Fans and managers have become very disappointed with the state of the refereeing decisions and have called for better decision making. Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom is the latest to rant against the referees.
Sheffield United boss slams officials
In an interview with BBC Sport, Paul went on a rant as to why the referees were so bad during the game. He said that the referees were giving poor decisions right from the beginning of the match.
“It was an appalling game the way it was managed. I know Spurs won the football match but I was saying the same thing at 0-0. At half-time I came to see the referee, when we were 1-0 I was saying the same things.” Paul said.
He then described a decision from the match which showed the state of the referees and how it was hurting the game and needed a quick change.
“Wes (Foderingham) got jumped into by a player who turned his back and led with his elbow, stitches. Deemed the same offence by the referee as Ollie McBurnie saying someone is pulling his shirt. It’s tough for me, we all love the game but the people who know the least about football are directing where the game is going. Absolutely barmy, but we’re letting these guys run our game and we need to stop them.” Paul added.
Sheffield United suffer loss at the hands of Tottenham
Yesterday’s game was quite a thriller, with both sides 0-0 after half time. Sheffield United did get a dramatic lead in the 73rd minute through a Gustavo Hamer screamer. Tottenham turned it around in extra time, with Richarlison equalizing in the 98th minute, and Dejan Kulusevski grabbing the winner two minutes later.
Later, striker Oli McBurnie was sent off for protesting against the referee’s decisions. Earlier in the game, the goalkeeper was booked for taking too long to play the ball.
Sheffield have been winless this season, after getting promoted to the Premier League last season. They are currently in 17th position, with just one point. Meanwhile, Tottenham are 2nd in the table, with 13 points.
What do you think about Paul’s comments regarding the Premier League referees? Do you agree with his statements? Let us know in the comments down below!
