MP slams ‘appalling’ refs

AN MP is calling on his fellow lawmakers to denounce England’s soccer referees as “appalling,” claiming an “incompetent” official cost his team possible promotion to the Premiership.

Gerry Steinberg, MP for Durham, put down a motion yesterday attacking referees after his side Sunderland lost out to Crystal Palace in the first division play-off semi-final on Monday. Palace won on penalties after drawing level with a controversial last-minute equaliser.

The so-called early day motion a device which allows MPs to register protest, but which has no call on the government urged the Football Association to introduce instant video playback to ensure wrong decisions could be immediately rectified.