The Everton manager Claims PGMO Unwilling to Clarify Controversial Calls
David Moyes has claimed that the PGMO is reluctant to engage with managers because so many refereeing decisions this season have been hard to justify. The Everton manager said he “half choked” when Fulham were awarded what proved to be a decisive penalty against Nottingham Forest on Monday.
Lack of Uniformity in Penalty Calls Highlighted
Everton were denied a penalty on Saturday for a comparable incident during their home defeat by Arsenal. The manager initially held his tongue on the decision at the time but, following 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,” Moyes commented. “There is a sense that certain clubs get those decisions and other clubs don’t. It appears we are on the latter side of that.”
Past Incidents and Growing Frustration
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. We are disappointed it wasn’t given on the night and we are looking at others which have been missed,” he added.
Communication Breakdown with Officiating Authorities
Questioned on whether he intended to raise the issue with the officiating body, Moyes expressed additional concern. “It’s unclear,” he said. “They are not accommodating whatever you want. They don’t want to have a conversation about it really. They might engage, but they don’t want to because they’re likely discovering it is very difficult to explain things.”
This stance from the PGMO highlights a broader problem of openness and accountability in the game’s officiating, as per the long-serving coach.
