Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson’s scathing criticism of modern officials was accurate, claiming standards have been gradually declining year-on-year, due to a lack of man management and leadership at the top of the profession.
For the third time in four Championship games this season, Pearson complained about match officials, as in the wake of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Luton Town he claimed he’s considered retiring from the game given refereeing is now at an “all-time low”.
City were denied a penalty for what appeared a clear trip on Rob Atkinson and moments later, referee Leigh Doughty refused to match Mark Sykes’ red card with a dismissal for Luton midfielder Luke Freeman despite him barging the Robins midfielder to the ground.
