FA asks Wolves for observations after Nuno Espirito Santo’s referee rant over Lee Mason
Wolves manager delivered a scathing assessment of Mason’s ability to perform as a Premier League referee
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Football Association has sought observations from Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo over comments he made about referee Lee Mason, it’s understood.
The Portuguese criticised the official's performance following his team's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Burnley on Monday evening and the Press Association reports that he has now been asked to explain those remarks by the game's national governing body.
Nuno told Sky Sports after the match: "The referee does not have the quality to whistle a game in the Premier League.
"It is not about the crucial mistakes or decisions, it is about the way he handles the game. The players get nervous, too much voices, he whistles by the voices when some players are shouting.
"We are talking about the best competition and clearly he doesn't have the quality to whistle the game. I'm very disappointed to say this but I would not feel right if I didn't say it.
"I just don't want to see him more - that's what I told him. I hope he doesn't whistle a game of ours again because all the games we have with Lee Mason are always the same.
"He cannot control the players, the players are constantly arguing - both teams. With all the other referees the game flows, there's dialogue. He's just not ready to do it."
Nuno's side were arguably lucky to finish the match with 11 men after Joao Moutinho survived a VAR check on what looked like a stamp in stoppage time, while their goal came from the penalty spot after Fabio Silva was fouled by Josh Benson late on.
Post-match comments about a referee's performance are permitted under FA regulations provided they do not imply bias, attack an official's integrity, are not personally offensive, prolonged or particularly unreasonable.
Such incidents do not always lead to an FA charge, which would be based on a decision around the seriousness of the case and the track record of the individual who made the comments.
The FA may choose to issue a formal warning, remind the individual of their responsibilities or take no action.
Mason is the video assistant referee for Manchester City's home game against Newcastle on Boxing Day and will be the fourth official at the West Ham vs Brighton match the following day.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments