David Moyes Claims PGMO Reluctant to Explain Controversial Calls
David Moyes has claimed that the Professional Game Match Officials 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 match-winning penalty against Nottingham Forest on Monday.
Lack of Uniformity in Penalty Calls Highlighted
Everton were denied a penalty on Saturday for a similar offence during their home defeat by Arsenal. Moyes did not criticise the decision at the time but, following Fulhamâs penalty, feels the inconsistency of referees can not be ignored.
âI was half choking last night when I saw the decision given and ours wasnât,â said the Everton manager. âIt feels as though 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
The coach also pointed to an earlier incident in the season at Brentford involving Virgil van Dijk which was very comparable. âIt was later 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 Officiating Authorities
When asked whether he intended to raise the issue with the officiating body, Moyes expressed further frustration. âI donât really know,â he said. âThey donât make it easy whatever you want. They are unwilling to have a conversation about it really. They will have, but they donât want to because theyâre finding it probably very difficult to explain things.â
This position from the officials underscores a broader problem of openness and answerability in the gameâs officiating, as per the experienced manager.