FIFA referees chief Jim Boyce is calling Manuel Pellegrini’s criticism of referee Jonas Eriksson “absolute nonsense” after the Manchester City manager unleashed a string of verbal barbs at the official following City’s 2-0 home defeat against FC Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League’s Round of 16 tie.
Pellegrini was critical of Eriksson’s nationality and bias after the Swede sent Martin Demichelis off for a “last man back” tackle on Lionel Messi that earned Barca a penalty kick. City back Vincent Kompany added “There was a lot of soft fouls. In the Premier League, they would have not been given.”
But it wasn’t the Premier League, and Boyce was furious at Pellegrini’s comments about an official slated to referee matches at the World Cup this summer.
“It is absolute nonsense to say a referee should not be chosen for an important match because he comes from a smaller country. If the referee has proved himself at the top level it should not matter what country they come from.
“All the referees who have been chosen for the World Cup have been assessed by experienced officials who have been involved at FIFA and UEFA level and marked on their performances in the World Cup and confederation competitions at a high level.
“I read the remarks that were made by the Manchester City manager. I saw the game and my own personal opinion is that I thought the referee had a good game.
“He is a very experienced referee who has been chosen for the World Cup because of excellent reports of his performances in Europe.”
If Boyce’s comments are a harbinger of what’s to come from UEFA’s review of Pellegrini’s comments, then maybe the manager will face just desserts — a big fine or suspension — for his classless post-game press conference. Call me one of those who have no question it was a penalty and red card. Flip the script: if that tackle happens on the forward on your team, are you looking for a free kick and yellow?
Didn’t think so.
