Carragher escapes FA censure for referee criticism

LIVERPOOL defender Jamie Carragher will not face any disciplinary action from the FA in the wake of his outspoken criticism of referee Mike Riley.

Carragher was angered by Riley’s failure to award Liverpool a penalty for an apparent handball by Tiago in last Saturday’s home defeat by Chelsea.

The same official was also responsible for the controversial penalty awarded to Manchester United against Arsenal at Old Trafford in October.

Carragher said: “If referees perform well, they should get the big games. But the fact is he influenced the outcome of another game by bad decisions. He’s the same referee who made big mistakes in the United versus Arsenal game.

“What has happened here and at Old Trafford could prove the difference between Arsenal winning and losing the league. Referees must be held more accountable.”

The FA studied Carragher’s comments but have concluded that, despite his criticism, the defender had not questioned Riley’s integrity.