LMA stand by Jewell in ref row

THE League Managers Association have launched a rigorous defence of Wigan boss Paul Jewell following his criticism of referee Phil Dowd.

The Football Association are examining Jewell’s comments in the wake of Monday night’s 1-1 Barclays Premiership draw against Blackburn at Ewood Park.

A clearly angry Jewell described Dowd as “incompetent” and that his decisions were “nonsensical”, in particular in allowing Rovers’ late equaliser to stand.