The Everton manager Claims PGMO Unwilling to Explain Controversial Decisions

David Moyes has claimed that the PGMO is hesitant to communicate with managers because so many refereeing decisions this season have been hard to justify. Moyes said he was left speechless when Fulham were awarded what proved to be a match-winning penalty against Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Inconsistency in Penalty Calls Brought to Light

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, in light of Fulham’s penalty, believes the lack of consistency of referees must be addressed.

“It took my breath away last night when I saw the decision given and ours wasn’t,” said the Everton manager. “There is a sense that certain clubs get those decisions and other clubs don’t. We seem to be on the latter side of that.”

Previous Cases and Mounting Discontent

Moyes also referenced an earlier incident in the season at Brentford involving Virgil van Dijk which was very comparable. “I think eventually it was given. It is frustrating it wasn’t given on the night and we are reviewing other instances which have been missed,” he added.

Communication Breakdown with Officiating Authorities

Questioned on whether he intended to present his case with the officiating body, Moyes expressed additional concern. “I don’t really know,” he said. “They are not accommodating whatever you want. They are unwilling to have a conversation about it really. They might engage, but they don’t want to because they’re finding it probably very difficult to explain things.”

This stance from the officials underscores a wider issue of openness and answerability in the sport’s refereeing, according to the experienced manager.

Robert Martin
Robert Martin

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in tech consulting, passionate about helping businesses leverage emerging technologies for sustainable growth.