NUFC boss Rafa Benitez has been charged with misconduct by the FA after remarks he made about referee Andrew Madley prior to last Monday’s game against Preston North End.
In the build up to last weeks promotion decider, Benitez questioned why Huddersfield born Andrew Madley was taking charge of a game that could end Huddersfield Town’s hopes of automatic promotion.
Benitez said the following when asked about Madley’s appointment in his press conference prior to the Preston game last month:
“I was really surprised with that situation.
“In Spain this thing doesn’t happen. So when you have a referee from a city or a team that are more or less close in the table, normally they don’t referee those games.”
“We don’t have any problem, but we just want to avoid a situation that maybe nobody will understand.”
“We are not normally complaining about the referees in press conferences or interviews.”
“But at least we have had something to say and the fans will realise at least we tried to do what we have to do.”
“We have to trust the referees. We have not had a lot of luck with them.”
“But hopefully everything will be fine and we are not talking about the referees at the end of the game.”
It is alleged that Rafa’s comments were ‘improper’ and/or ‘brought the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3(1)’.
Whilst managers know they must be very cautious regarding their comments towards referees, you can not blame Benitez for bringing up what was a very strange decision. Why pick a referee born in Huddersfield for a game that the whole of Huddersfield will be hoping Newcastle lose?
Surely that decision in itself raises as many questions as Rafa’s comments do?
Moving on, Benitez has until 6pm next Tuesday (9th May) to respond to the charge.
It is the Fa , as usual, that is bringing the game into disrepute. Arrogant and stupid as usual. All those remarks made by Ferguson and Edwards of Man Utd over the years and the Fa did ****** all.