PGMOL slammed after evidence of Leeds mistake emerged quickly in replays
The PGMOL took too long to apologise to Leeds United after Ben Whiteman wasn’t sent off in their 1-1 draw with Preston earlier this month.
As reported by LeedsLive on 23 December, the Whites have received a formal apology from the refereeing board after John Busby failed to discipline Whiteman after a foul on Jayden Bogle.
The Preston captain was already on a yellow card when he made an out-of-control challenge on Bogle. However, Busby failed to show him a second booking despite the general consensus being that it could have been a straight red card.
It’s been nine days since the incident but the PGMOL have now taken action and apologised.
Former PGMOL general manager Hackett, who refereed in the Premier League and for FIFA, says an apology should have been made in around 24 hours.
“It was evident during the match and replays played within hours that the referee had made an error of judgment which should have seen a player receive a second yellow followed by red,” Hackett told MOT Leeds News.
“In these standout situations, an apology should be issued before the close of play the following day.
Leeds receive PGMOL apology – but it’s too late
“When I was boss of the PGMOL, either myself or one of my coaches would visit the club and discuss with the manager and coaching staff the incident in detail. [We’d talk about] how the error was made and the course of action that has been taken with the referee and the remaining group of referees.
“Operational advice to avoid similar errors in the future is given to the team of officials who made the error.”
After the game, Preston’s former Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom admitted that Whiteman should have been sent for an early bath [BBC Sport].
Whiteman’s first yellow came in the 32nd minute before his foul on Bogle four minutes later.
Heckingbottom then substituted him off, clearly convinced that his captain was going to get himself in the referee’s book once more.
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