The Everton manager Asserts PGMO Reluctant to Clarify Controversial Calls
David Moyes has claimed that the PGMO is hesitant to communicate with managers because a high number of refereeing decisions this season have been difficult to explain. Moyes said he was left speechless when Fulham were awarded what proved to be a decisive penalty against Nottingham Forest on Monday.
Inconsistency in Penalty Calls Highlighted
The Toffees were refused a penalty on Saturday for a similar offence during their home defeat by Arsenal. The manager initially held his tongue on the decision at the time but, following Fulhamâs penalty, feels the inconsistency of referees can not be ignored.
âIt took my breath away last night when I saw the decision given and ours wasnât,â said the Everton manager. âThere is a sense that certain clubs get those decisions and other clubs donât. We seem to be on the latter side of that.â
Past Incidents and Growing Frustration
Moyes also referenced an earlier incident in the season at Brentford involving Virgil van Dijk which was very comparable. âI think eventually it was given. It is frustrating it wasnât given on the night and we are reviewing other instances which have been overlooked,â he added.
Communication Breakdown with Referee Chiefs
Questioned on whether he intended to raise the issue with the officiating body, Moyes expressed further frustration. âI donât really know,â he said. âThey are not accommodating whatever you want. They are unwilling to have a conversation about it really. They might engage, but they donât want to because theyâre finding it probably very difficult to explain things.â
This position from the PGMO highlights a broader problem of openness and answerability in the sportâs refereeing, according to the experienced manager.